Mwenda-Kikingi Road Decay Cripples Economy and Security in Ruwenzori

Residents of the Ruwenzori sector in Beni, North Kivu, are sounding the alarm over the critical state of the 27-kilometer Mwenda-Kikingi road, which has become nearly impassable.

The New Congolese Civil Society (NSCC) highlighted the dire socio-economic and security consequences of the road's deterioration. Direct trade between Mutwanga and Watalinga has ceased. Merchants are forced into lengthy, expensive detours via Beni or must sell their goods cheaply in Kasindi. The road's poor condition also impedes the movement of security forces tasked with protecting the region.

Meleki Mulala, NSCC coordinator for Ruwenzori, expressed frustration with the authorities. "If this road is not opened, see for example in Kikingi, if something is wrong, you have to go around via Kamango to intervene in Kikingi," he stated. "We have the Mutwanga police who control Kikingi, but for a detainee to go from Kikingi to Mutwanga, you have to go around. Economically, it's complicated, socially, it's complicated."

Rehabilitation work on the road, which began in January 2025, is currently at a standstill. The company responsible for the project cites significant technical and financial constraints, indicating that work will only resume once the authorities release the necessary funds.

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If this road is not opened, see for example in Kikingi, if something is wrong, you have to go around via Kamango to intervene in Kikingi. We have the Mutwanga police who control Kikingi, but for a detainee to go from Kikingi to Mutwanga, you have to go around. Economically, it's complicated, socially, it's complicated.