Rwandan truckers are enduring significant challenges due to the conflict in eastern DRC, including danger from locals and disrupted supply routes. With M23’s control impacting trade, many businesses report financial losses and logistical issues. While some normalization is expected, the trucking sector remains apprehensive due to ongoing unrest.
Rwandan truckers and exporters are significantly affected by the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As violence escalates with the Rwandan-supported M23 group’s activities, truck drivers like Olivier Munyemana are hesitant to cross the border, fearing aggression from locals dissatisfied with Rwanda’s involvement. Munyemana emphasizes the risks by stating, “I can’t risk my life or lose my truck. We have had cases of trucks being burned and drivers attacked.”
Rwanda maintains that M23’s presence aims to eliminate a militia threatening its borders. In contrast, DRC accuses Rwanda of seeking control over eastern regions rich in minerals. This conflict has severely disrupted trade, with DRC being Rwanda’s second-largest trade partner; they imported $156 million worth of goods from Rwanda in just the first three quarters of 2024.
Businesses are facing logistical nightmares. For instance, a significant cement factory, Anjia Prefabricated, relying on DRC for clinker, has halted operations due to supply disruptions. Head of procurement, Israel Byiringiro, mentioned, “This stopped shortly before the war reached Bukavu. All our trucks … are now parked,” since they have to navigate dangerous territories to access supplies.
The construction sector has also suffered, with firms losing clients due to operational withdrawals amid violence as highlighted by Cimerwa’s Davis Twahirwa. He reports, “Some of my customers have lost millions,” due to incidents like theft of trucks and vandalism of warehouses. Local banks’ unavailability further complicates financial transactions, increasing risks for traders.
Despite the turmoil, Twahirwa notes a gradual return to normalcy, especially with M23 controlling the region. He anticipates recovery in trade and sales by mid-March. Rwandan truckers, having acquired significant loans to expand routes into East Africa, face mounting financial pressure due to the conflict. Abdul Ndarubogoye from the Rwanda Transporters Association points out, “When it is a war zone, no one wants to enter there,” stressing the economic impact on transporters and traders, many of whom feel trapped by the hostility. Rwandan-registered vehicles represent 40% of those entering the DRC but are cautious of attacks from anti-Rwandan factions.
The current conflict in eastern DRC is severely impacting Rwandan truckers and exporters, leading to increased risks and significant financial losses. With disruptions in supply routes and fears of attacks, the businesses reliant on cross-border trade are struggling to cope. Although recent developments indicate a return to normalcy, the overall implications of violence continue to threaten Rwandan commerce and economic stability in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
