The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reversed its plan to tax goods from areas controlled by the M23 rebel group. The move followed strong public backlash and online criticism.
On Wednesday, the Congolese General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) in North Kivu withdrew the directive. The plan had classified goods from Goma, Bunagana, and Ishasha—areas under M23 occupation—as taxable imports.
Jean-Louis Bauna, the deputy director-general of customs, dismissed the directive as a “forgery.” He insisted that customs regulations apply across the country. However, the decision came after intense social media debate. Many critics warned that enforcing the tax could deepen divisions in the country. Before the reversal, authorities had already informed Uganda and Tanzania of the directive.
Congolese officials operate from Beni after losing Goma to M23 rebels backed by the Rwandan military. They denied considering the tax. Paul Kayembe, head of the North Kivu DGDA, blamed “ill-intentioned individuals” for spreading false information. He also accused Rwanda of interference.
Despite these denials, sources suggest the government initially sought to recover lost border revenues from M23-controlled areas. The plan was scrapped due to public outrage. The North Kivu DGDA reaffirmed its commitment to national customs laws and backed government efforts to reclaim rebel-held territories.
Many Congolese figures opposed the tax, fearing it would create an internal border. DGDA sources confirmed that the tax memo was genuine. A customs official—who requested anonymity—said customs posts in rebel-occupied areas had already been disconnected from the automated customs system.
Since the M23 takeover of Goma, the Congolese government has tried to weaken the rebel administration through economic measures. These actions have disrupted the region’s economy. The banking sector in Goma has collapsed. The central bank’s provincial branch and commercial banks remain closed, causing a liquidity crisis. Banking operations now run from Kinshasa, forcing many residents to cross into Rwanda for financial transactions.
The situation in North Kivu remains tense. The Congolese government continues efforts to reclaim control while balancing economic policies and national unity.