Business resumed at a low pace at Bunagana border post after the reopening of the post
July 10 — Business resumed Thursday at Uganda’s border posts with the D R Congo at Bunagana, Ishasha and others after months of closure by the Rwandan backed M23 rebels immediately after taking control of territory in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in January.
The M23 rebels closed the border after capturing Goma city from Congolose army.
The border closure put business on a stand still as traders from either sides could not cross.
Cargo trucks and buses from Kampala were parked as traders monitored the situation on ground.
Trucks loaded with merchandise spent months at the border post waiting for its reopening
The closure left business people counting losses as businesses collapsed because of the war in Congo. The business community in Uganda called on President Museveni to engage the East African Community and end fighting in Eastern DRC.
The reopening of the crossing comes just days after the DR Congo and Rwandan governments signed a peace deal in Washington DC.
The peace deal brokered by the United States and Qatar was signed by foreign ministers of both Rwanda and DRC at the State Department.
The agreement between Kinshasa and Kigali marked a significant step toward restoring peace and fostering regional stability in the Great Lakes region.
As part of the deal, both countries have committed to launching a regional economic integration framework within 90 days, aimed at enhancing cross-border trade, cooperation, and development.
However, one critical component in the agreement of the withdrawal of thousands of Rwandan troops currently in DR Congo which is sceptical to both sides.
The Rwandan forces have been fighting alongside the M23 rebels, although Kigali has persistently denied supporting and financing the M23 rebel group.
