Closure of two roads disrupts supplies and drives up prices in Walikale

The closures of the Nyabiondo-Kashebere-Walikale and Nyabiondo-Mutongo-Pinga roads, attributed to authorities of the Front pour la refondation de la nation (FRN), are disrupting supplies to several areas of Walikale in North Kivu. Traffic between Nyabiondo and Walikale has been interrupted at Kashebere for more than a month following renewed fighting. FEC territorial president John Muganguzi says traders are struggling with shortages, while the detour via Bukavu, Bulambika and Hombo has increased motorcycle taxi operators’ costs, forcing some to suspend work. In Pinga, a sachet of salt now sells for 5,000 Congolese francs, up from 1,500, and Walikale civil society president Fiston Misona is calling for the roads to reopen quickly.