Summary:

• The Bunagana border in Kisoro district is experiencing a business standstill due to the conflict between M23 and the Democratic Republic of Congo government, exacerbated by the withdrawal of peacekeeping forces, leading to significant losses for local businesses.

The Bunagana border in Kisoro district is experiencing a halt in business activities due to the ongoing confrontation between M23 and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Last Thursday, the M23 seized control of an eastern Congolese town, engaging in a violent clash with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). With peacekeeping forces absent, the FARDC has taken on a more prominent role, escalating tensions in this conflict-prone and resource-rich region.

The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) is scheduled to complete its withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by January 8, 2024. This exit leaves local authorities responsible for securing the troubled eastern region. In a related move, the Uganda People’s Defense Force has withdrawn its troops from the North Kivu war zone in the DRC.

Business owners, including those operating wholesale and retail shops, money-changing services, hotels, and transportation, have reported substantial losses due to the conflict in the DRC. Individuals such as Richard Ruzaza, Eunice Kamukama, and Julius Nshimiye, who run businesses at the Bunagana border, highlighted that a significant portion of their customer base comprises Congolese nationals. They expressed concern that many of these customers have been unable to conduct business in recent days, urging leaders in the DRC to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Hajji Badru Ssebyala, the Kisoro Resident District Commissioner, confirmed that all border-related businesses are currently at a standstill. Despite the conflict in the Congo, Ssebyala reassured the public that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) will ensure effective protection and security at the border.