Afrika Amani NGO denounces extortion targeting farmers in Oïcha

Human rights organization Afrika Amani denounced repeated extortion targeting farmers along the Oïcha-Maleki and Oïcha-Mamove roads in Beni territory, North Kivu. Coordinator Darius Syayira said soldiers demand at least 2,000 Congolese francs per bag of farm produce in the evening, without issuing receipts. The NGO warned that the practices discourage farmers, worsen food insecurity and undermine civilian-military relations. The local military command confirmed the allegations and said disciplinary and judicial investigations had been opened.