All key supply channels for Ugandan and Kenyan products to the city of Goma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRCeastern )'s region, have been cut off by the M23 rebels. It has caused financial losses to the two countries

THE M23 REBELS

It follows the capture of Rutshuru Town in eastern DRC by the rebels, cutting off the Ishasha border in Kanungu District.

The border was still open after the M23 rebels captured the Bungana border town in eastern DRC in June and later took control of the Kitigoma and Busaza borders.

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Trucks carrying goods from Uganda and Kenya are stuck at the Ishasha border. The drivers say they have been there for weeks.

The Kanungu Resident District Commissioner, Mr Ambrose Amanyire Mwesigye, said some truck drivers crossed into DRC but were to Uganda by the Congolese government.

The Congolese government claimed that it was for their security.

Since the M23 rebels conquered Kiwanja territory, which they had to pass through before reaching Goma City, dozens of cargo trucks bringing commodities from Uganda and other East African nations last moved at the Ishasha border crossing for two weeks, according to Mr Mwesigye.

Robert Tukamuhebwa, the Kisoro deputy resident district administrator, stated that Uganda has subsequently stopped operating its customs and immigration offices close to the captured border checkpoints "because there was no sovereign state to guarantee the smooth functioning of cross-border trade."

The DRC administration has also prevented supplies from being delivered through rebel-controlled areas. Significant the rural towns.

Freight forwarders in Uganda, under Mr William Busuulwa, claimed that some of his colleagues are risking their lives to enter the DRC.

Our clients from the Democratic Republic of the Congo have links along the impacted routes. They hire the vehicles and manage to get to Goma City, according to Mr Busuulwa.

Remember, Congo was the latest country to join EAC on 8th April this year after signing the treaty.

Kenya had deployed troops to help curb insecurity in Congo.