DRC Government Rescinds Tax Directive on M23-Occupied Regions Following Public Outcry

The DRC government has canceled a tax directive on goods from M23-controlled areas following public outrage. Officials stated the directive was a forgery and emphasized the continuity of customs legislation across the nation. The backtrack comes as the government grapples with revenue losses and the socio-economic disruption caused by the M23 group’s occupation of Goma.

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has rescinded a new tax directive that would have imposed taxes on goods from regions controlled by the M23 rebel group, following significant public backlash. On Wednesday, the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) of North Kivu announced its reversal after widespread condemnation on social media and criticism regarding the implications of dividing the country.

In a press release, Jean-Louis Bauna, the deputy director-general of customs, labeled the earlier directive a “forgery” and insisted that “customs legislation applies in full throughout the national territory.” The directive, which had been communicated to neighboring Uganda and Tanzania, raised concerns that it would effectively create a new border within DRC’s territory.

Authorities from Kinshasa, currently based in Beni, acknowledged that the local administration had considered taxing the M23-controlled areas as part of an effort to recover lost revenue from border posts. Paul Kayembe, director of North Kivu DGDA, contended that the taxation policy had not been officially pursued, attributing the confusion to “ill-intentioned individuals” and alleging external influence from Rwandan parties.

The DGDA reaffirmed its commitment to adhere to the laws of the DRC and assist in recovering territories under rebel control. Prominent figures in Congolese society protested against the decision, highlighting the potential division of the national territory due to the imposition of such a tax, which effectively marked off those regions.

Sources within the DGDA confirmed the authenticity of the tax memorandum and noted that customs posts in the rebel-held areas had been suspended from the computerized customs system. Following the M23 takeover of Goma, the Congolese government has implemented economic measures to counter the parallel administration established by the rebels. Consequently, Goma’s banking system has faltered significantly, compelling residents to travel to Rwanda for banking needs, exacerbating the region’s liquidity crisis.

In conclusion, the DRC government’s decision to revoke the tax directive on goods from M23-held areas reflects a sensitivity to public sentiment amid rising tensions. The acknowledgment of the directive as a forgery, coupled with criticism from both officials and citizens, underscores the complexity of governance in territories challenged by conflict. Efforts to stabilize the region economically continue, yet the situation remains fraught with challenges, particularly for residents impacted by the M23’s influence over Goma’s economy.

Original Source: www.zawya.com