Benefitting from the War or punishing the residents under the reign of rebels?
Latest reports from DR Congo are to the effect that Kinshasa is now imposing heavy taxes and other non-tariff penalties on Goods being produced in the areas being controlled by the rebel groups and shipped to Kinshasa.
The Congo River Alliance (AFC) and the March 23 movements have gotten hold of the entire Eastern Congo provinces with a population of more than 5 million residents.
It seems like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Government has identified the areas of the eastern region that are controlled by the AFC and M23 rebels as non-Congolese territories, thus alienating them.
The Congolese authorities have since decided to impose taxes on goods and products from those areas, including Goma and Kivu that are currently being occupied by the combined AFC and M23 rebel forces.
According to a statement from the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGDA), all goods originating from Goma, Bunagana and Ishasha will be considered to be foreign imports.
The DGDA has further indicated that the goods must be processed accordingly, in compliance with the legal and regulatory texts in force.
Trade in areas controlled by the AFC and M23 rebels has steadily returned to normal following the fighting with the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC).
Meanwhile, the former Republican President Joseph Kabila says the solution to the ongoing insecurities in the Democratic Republic of Congo lies with the Congolese people involved in the crisis.
In an exclusive interview with the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), Kabila has stressed that the security crisis in eastern DR Congo is a national problem which requires engagement of all Congolese people including the AFC and M23 rebels who are Bonafide citizens fighting for their rights.
Kabila further supports the withdrawal of all foreign armies from the east as there is no mediator that can offer lasting solutions other than the Congolese people themselves.
On his return to active politics, Kabila says he and the former ruling PPRD party remain available and still have the energy to keep serving the nation.
“Our intention is to be very available to serve our country, continue to serve our people and serve the region as well,” Kabila stated.