Breaking News from Minembwe: Friday Market Becomes a Symbol of Positive Change in Local Livelihoods
MINEMBWE CAPITAL NEWS (MCN)
The main Friday market in Minembwe witnessed an exceptionally high turnout, with large numbers of residents gathering to engage in commercial activities on a scale not seen in the area for a considerable period.
Residents who spoke to Minembwe Capital News (MCN) said the market was so crowded that locating a specific person among the attendees required significant time due to the overwhelming number of buyers and sellers trading a wide range of goods.
One resident who shared his testimony with MCN said:
“The Friday market was extraordinarily busy. It was so crowded that finding someone among the large number of people was extremely difficult because of the remarkable turnout.”
He further explained that, in addition to the unusually high attendance, there had been significant changes in the prices of essential commodities, which had dropped considerably compared to previous weeks.
According to the resident, a bar of soap that had previously sold for 60,000 Congolese francs (CDF) was being sold for 15,000 CDF on Friday market day. Likewise, one kilogram of sugar, which had risen to 80,000 CDF, was selling for 25,000 CDF, while one kilogram of salt, which had reached 70,000 CDF, was available for 10,000 CDF.
Residents say the sharp decline in prices has provided significant relief to households that had endured prolonged periods of soaring inflation and shortages of essential commodities in local markets.
These developments come as residents report noticeable improvements in the security situation following the advance of MRDP-Twirwaneho, operating alongside AFC/M23, which they say pushed the coalition of forces comprising the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), the Burundi National Defence Force, Wazalendo militias, and the FDLR from several areas surrounding the Minembwe administrative center.
According to local residents, the affected areas include Gakenke, Kalingi, Gitavi, Bidegu, Lundu, Mikenke, Rwitsankuku, Point Zero, and Kwa Mulima.
Residents further state that these developments have facilitated the gradual resumption of commercial activities, revived local markets, and enabled traders from areas including Kwa Mulima, Ndondo, Rurambo, and other surrounding localities to once again transport their merchandise to Minembwe.
They also claim that prior to these developments, when FARDC and its allied forces controlled Mikenke, Rwitsankuku, and Point Zero, many traders faced obstacles in transporting goods to Minembwe. Some traders alleged that they had been instructed not to deliver goods to the Banyamulenge community.
According to residents, these restrictions contributed to the disruption of commercial activities and the sharp increase in food prices and the cost of other essential goods.
Minembwe Capital News (MCN) continues to monitor developments in both the security and economic situation across Minembwe and its surrounding areas.
