North Kivu: FRN closure of the Goma-Walikale road drives prices sharply higher in Walikale

The Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) rebels have closed the Goma-Walikale road for about a month, forcing traders onto costlier routes and driving prices sharply higher in Walikale. A bar of soap has risen from 1,000 to 2,500 Congolese francs (FC), and a packet of salt from 1,500 to 5,000 FC; a glass of beans now costs 1,500 FC, up from 500, while a cup of cassava flour has doubled to 1,000 FC. Residents of Kibua, Mpofi, Mutongo and Pinga are affected, with traders blaming additional transport costs via South Kivu and from Bukavu. Reopening the strategic road is seen as important for restoring supplies to local markets.