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In a further deterioration of relations between the rival Goma and Kisangani factions of the rebel Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD), the Goma faction has imposed new taxes on goods entering their areas of control from the RCD-Kisangani-controlled areas of Beni and Bunia, IRIN sources in Goma confirmed on Wednesday. "All goods coming from Butembo and further north are subject to tax at newly-erected tax points
on the road south of Kanyabayonga and Goma," they added. "The Goma traders are furious. They went on strike immediately the new tax measures were announced and then kept their shops closed for at least another day. Everybody is pretty upset. Truck drivers who were in or around Goma when the measures were first announced did not pay and were, consequently, sent back to Butembo." Stricter implementation of customs duties by RCD-Goma
along the borders with Uganda has also been reported, targeting diamond, gold, timber and coffee in particular.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions