Two Merchants Carrying $265,000 Missing in Kamanyola; APCCO Accuses FRN/M23

The Association of Small Traders of Congo (APCCO) says Rushenge Patient and Bahati Dominique Buhendwa went missing on September 7 in Kamanyola, Walungu territory, South Kivu. They were travelling from Salamabila to Bukavu with $265,000 to buy goods for more than 85 small traders when they were allegedly arrested by M23 members, now known as the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN). After more than 45 days without news, the association says it does not know where they are being held or what happened to the money and their motorcycle. APCCO has contacted the UN Joint Human Rights Office and human rights organizations, calling for the merchants’ release and the return of their property.