Beni traders continue strike against tax pressure amid insecurity

Socio-economic activity in Beni, North Kivu, has been widely disrupted since October 26 by a traders’ strike against taxes and fiscal requirements they consider burdensome. The protest began with pharmacists, after several large pharmacies in Kilokwa central market were closed on the tax authorities’ instructions. Traders are challenging the annual business tax, the tax on profits, VAT and various filing requirements, while insecurity, armed attacks and looting have already caused significant losses. The strike has no set end date, and traders are also calling on authorities to strengthen security and protect property and investments.