The Congolese government has rescinded a tax directive on goods from areas controlled by the M23 rebel group following public backlash. The General Directorate of Customs and Excise clarified that the tax proposal, initially seen as a means to recoup lost revenues, did not reflect official policy. This decision underscores ongoing economic challenges in the region, particularly in Goma, which is suffering from banking system disruptions.
The Congolese government has revoked a recently proposed tax on goods from areas controlled by the M23 rebel group due to public outcry. The General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) in North Kivu announced this reversal, which originally designated goods from regions like Goma, Bunagana, and Ishasha as taxable imports.
Jean-Louis Bauna, the deputy director-general, labeled the initial tax directive as a “forgery,” emphasizing that customs legislation applies throughout the national territory. However, the proposal faced backlash, especially on social media, with critics warning it could deepen the division within Congo.
Following the occupation of Goma by M23 rebels, the Congolese authorities have been operating from Beni. Paul Kayembe, the DGDA director, asserted that the tax was never under consideration, attributing the misunderstanding to malicious actors, particularly from Rwanda.
Despite the assertion of disregard for the directive, sources confirmed its authenticity, stating that customs posts in rebel-held territories had been suspended. This move to tax was believed to be a strategy to reclaim lost revenues due to the ongoing conflict.
The situation has exacerbated economic disruptions, notably in Goma, where the provincial banking system has collapsed, leading residents to seek banking services across the border in Rwanda, highlighting the severe liquidity crisis in the region since the M23 takeover.
In summary, the Congolese government’s reversal of the tax directive on goods from M23-controlled areas illustrates the sensitive nature of the region’s political and economic landscape. This incident reflects public sentiment regarding governance and territorial integrity, as well as the broader challenges of managing economic infrastructure under conflict. Continued monitoring of the situation in North Kivu is essential to understanding the unfolding dynamics between the government and the M23 rebels.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
