Rwandan truckers face severe challenges due to the conflict in the eastern DRC, which has led to local hostility and disrupted supply lines. Key industry figures report significant financial losses and operational halts. Despite the turmoil, there is cautious optimism for a return to normalcy as stability improves in the region.
Rwandan truckers and exporters are experiencing significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). With heightened tensions and violence attributed to the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group, many drivers refrain from crossing the border amidst fears of local hostility. Olivier Munyemana, an experienced truck driver, stated, “I can’t risk my life or lose my truck,” highlighting the risks involved with attacks on truckers and their vehicles.
Rwanda maintains that the M23’s actions are aimed at neutralizing a Rwandan militia linked to the 1994 genocide, which poses a threat at its borders. Conversely, the DRC accuses Rwanda of seeking to control the mineral-rich eastern region. This conflict, regardless of intentions, has adversely affected trade dynamics, as DRC represents Rwanda’s second-largest trading partner, with $156 million worth of goods exchanged in the first nine months of 2024.
Certain enterprises like Anjia Prefabricated, a cement factory in Rwanda, have been severely affected, ceasing operations due to disrupted supply lines from the DRC. The company’s procurement head, Israel Byiringiro, indicated, “All our trucks … are now parked,” emphasizing the operational standstill that has ensued. Furthermore, the remaining supply routes through Tanzania entail increased transport costs, adding about 800 kilometers to their journey.
The unrest has prompted a decline in customer retention, particularly for construction companies in conflict-affected towns like Bukavu and Goma. Davis Twahirwa, the sales lead for Cimerwa, noted that significant financial losses have been incurred by clients, including the theft of vehicles and inventory. He lamented the difficulties faced by local banks in conducting business due to governmental restrictions.
Despite these challenges, Twahirwa expressed optimism about restoring business operations as stability improves, stating, “Normalcy is returning,” and that they are gradually resuming sales activities. Rwandan truckers, investing heavily in transport to cater to growing markets, find themselves in a precarious position amid ongoing conflict, as stated by Abdul Ndarubogoye, President of the Rwanda Transporters Association. He noted that the war zone climate poses substantial risks for transporters, affecting approximately 40 percent of transactions into eastern DRC.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo poses grave challenges for Rwandan truckers and exporters. Various stakeholders report heightened fears of local hostility, operational standstills, and significant financial losses. Despite the current adversities, there exists a glimmer of hope for an eventual return to normalcy and improved business operations as conditions slowly stabilize in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
