Militias, Corrupt Officers Man 24 Roadblocks on Key DRC Trade Route

Why It Matters

The obstruction raises logistics costs and undermines regional integration, jeopardizing trade growth and consumer prices across East Africa.

Key Takeaways

• 24 armed roadblocks block Goli–Mahagi–Kisangani corridor
• Drivers pay up to $300 per checkpoint, inflating costs
• Trade between Uganda and DRC exceeds $1 billion annually
• EAC customs rule bans non‑tariff barriers, yet roadblocks persist
• Insecurity hampers road maintenance, causing delays and cargo damage

Pulse Analysis

The Goli–Mahagi–Kisangani corridor is the backbone of the Northern Corridor, channeling commodities from Kenya’s Mombasa port through Uganda into the interior of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its strategic importance is reflected in the more than $1 billion of bilateral trade projected for the 2024/25 fiscal year, encompassing Ugandan refined vegetable oil, sugar, cement, and DRC timber and palm oil. However, the sudden proliferation of 24 armed roadblocks has turned a once‑efficient artery into a costly bottleneck, with drivers forced to pay up to $300 per checkpoint, eroding profit margins and inflating consumer prices.

Beyond the immediate financial toll, the roadblocks represent a breach of the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union, which explicitly forbids non‑tariff barriers that discriminate against intra‑regional goods. The resulting protectionist effect discourages traders, reduces cargo volumes, and threatens the broader goal of market integration that the EAC has championed for years. Freight forwarders report delayed shipments, increased spoilage, and heightened insurance premiums, all of which ripple through supply chains and diminish the competitiveness of East African exports on global markets.

Addressing the crisis will require a coordinated response that blends security, regulatory enforcement, and infrastructure investment. Strengthening the capacity of the Mahagi–Goli one‑stop border post, deploying joint security patrols, and establishing transparent fee structures could restore confidence among logistics operators. Moreover, the EAC Secretariat should document the economic impact of these barriers and engage DRC authorities to align with Article 13 of the customs treaty. If resolved, the corridor could resume its role as a catalyst for regional growth, lowering transport costs, boosting trade volumes, and reinforcing East Africa’s position as a vibrant trade hub.