During the closure of the borders between DR Congo and Rwanda due to the COVID-19 expansion, the rise in food prices was observed in Goma. To stop this trend, cross-border traders supported by the Trade Facilitation project in the Great Lakes Region pleaded with the authorities to supply the two neighboring towns in compliance with this measure. Despite the successes these beginners face many challenges that will not be able to sustain the decline in peace during this time of the CORONAVIRUS-19 pandemic.

Supported by the Trade Facilitation project in the Great Lakes Region PFCGL in acronym, initiated an exceptional measure through a plea with the authorities to prevent a shortage which was already announced by the rise in prices in Goma: “The first initiative returns from the Association of Cross-border Traders who had pleaded for this process of cross-border exchange during this period of epidemic. It really is a success. », Says Mrs. KISUBA Brigitte President of the cross-border small seller platform. The 25 associations grouped together in the Association des Commerçants Transfrontaliers platform a local NGO member of FONAHD RDC  have initiated the initiative to restore hope to the inhabitants of Goma after the measure to close the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. This decision caused a shortage in the markets in Goma accompanied by an increase in the price of food products. Look, the Association des Commerçants Transfrontaliers brings together 25 associations of cross-border sellers who supply the city of Goma with living and manufactured products.

RWANDA CROSS-BODERThis initiative consists of first ensuring that the measure taken by the authorities is respected and also of strengthening the barrier measures against COVID-19. especially since the flow of people at the border which has increased from more than 6,000 people per day: “currently, only the drivers carrying food cross the borders. The sister cooperatives in Rwanda send us the food along with a list and the price. Look around me bags are filled with goods. On our side we send the money back with the same driver who conveyed the goods, ”she confirms.
The price stabilized on the Goma market
To curb the shortage and the rise in food prices, several associations of cross-border traders collect money and draw up requisitions which they communicate to the sister cooperatives of the Republic of Rwanda: “When the borders were closed, it was a serious problem. , because there was a shortage of living in Goma. We have agreed with the sister cooperatives of Rwanda as follows: in Rwanda they send food to Goma, these goods are conveyed by a driver to the market here in Goma and the same driver returns with the money to Rwanda. », Reveals Mrs. KISUBA Brigitte President of the cross-border small seller platform.