Didier Katembera Demands Removal of Illegal Checkpoints on Mwenga and Uvira Axes

• Provincial Deputy Didier Katembera has written to the Defense Ministry demanding the removal of illegal checkpoints on Mwenga and Uvira axes.
• Wazalendo fighters and FARDC soldiers are allegedly manning these unauthorized roadblocks, extorting illicit taxes from travelers.
• The presence of these checkpoints is contravening Congolese law on taxation and causing significant disruptions to local commerce.

The proliferation of illegal checkpoints on major routes in South Kivu is having a devastating impact on local commerce.

Provincial Deputy Didier Katembera has written to the Defense Ministry, urging the immediate dismantling of illegal checkpoints on the Mwenga and Uvira axes in South Kivu. According to his official letter dated August 18, these unauthorized roadblocks are being manned by Wazalendo fighters and FARDC soldiers, who are allegedly extorting illicit taxes from travelers. Katembera reports that on the RN5 highway connecting Kamanyola to Baraka via Uvira, commuters must navigate through nearly a dozen checkpoints, paying at least 5,000 Congolese francs each time they pass. A similar situation is reported on the Kasika-Kamituga axis.

The Congolese law on taxation stipulates that any form of taxation must be authorized by the relevant authorities and carried out in accordance with established procedures. The presence of unauthorized checkpoints, where travelers are being forced to pay taxes, is a clear contravention of this law. Katembera's letter demands that military and civilian authorities identify and sanction those responsible for these irregularities in line with the law.

The proliferation of illegal checkpoints on major routes in South Kivu is having a devastating impact on local commerce. The forced payments are leading to inflationary pressures, as transport costs rise for merchants, carriers, and agricultural producers. Furthermore, the disruption to mobility is causing significant problems for people and goods seeking to move freely along these routes. As such, it is essential that authorities take swift action to address this issue and restore order to the region.

Lawyers advising clients operating in South Kivu should be aware of the potential for illegal roadblocks and tax demands, which could lead to compliance issues and reputational risks.

Source: Original reporting via Le Dépêche