North Kivu faces rising food prices due to insecurity and road closures

Rising food prices and essential commodity costs are causing significant hardship for residents in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Butembo, the prices of staples such as beans, cassava flour, and rice have increased sharply. For instance, a 100kg bag of beans has risen from 290,000 to as much as 320,000 Congolese Francs.

The Coopérative Centrale du Nord-Kivu (COCENKI) attributes this inflation to insecurity in supply zones, excessive road taxes, and poor road conditions. Additionally, the influx of displaced persons has increased demand. Transport costs have also surged; one member noted that transporting a bag of beans from Luofu now costs 15 dollars, up from 5 dollars.

In Walikale, the situation is exacerbated by the closure of the Goma-Walikale road by the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN) rebels. This has forced traders to use longer, more expensive detour routes. Consequently, the price of soap has risen from 1,000 FC to 2,500 FC, and salt has increased from 1,500 FC to 5,000 FC per packet. These disruptions are affecting multiple localities, including Kibua, Mpofi, Mutongo, and Pinga, leading to growing concerns over food insecurity in the region.