DRC: M23 announces the reopening of the border at Bunagana

Congolese at the Bunagana border post when the M23 arrived on June 7, 2022. © BADRU KATUMBA/AFP

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In the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a week after the capture of Bunagana by the M23 rebels, this border town is still under their control.

Moreover, on Monday evening June 20, they announced the reopening of this border post between the DRC and Uganda... thus allowing the population who fled to Uganda to return to Bunagana.

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In a video posted on social media.

The M23 spokesperson takes the stage in front of the 

border post gate , announcing its reopening.

" 

 ", says Major Willy Ngoma in this video, adding "

 ".

The authorities of North Kivu reacted immediately, prohibiting commercial traffic via this border post.

In a statement Monday evening, the military government of North Kivu warns traders and customs commissioners that it is forbidden to import or export goods via the Bunagana border crossing.

"

 ," he said, adding that this measure will cease as soon as Bunagana is taken over by the Congolese army.

A strategic crossing point

With this measure, the North Kivu authorities want to cut off the rebellion from any form of income, because Bunagana is a crossing point for traders in the region who operate between Uganda and the DRC.

It is a border post which, according to the General Directorate of Customs, generates several tens of thousands of dollars in customs revenue per month.

Meanwhile, fighting continues between the M23 and the Congolese army, the FARDC.

This fighting moved further west towards the town of Rutshuru.

►Also read: The capture of the city of Bunagana by the M23 causes the Western chancelleries to react

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