According to some residents living along the Ruzizi River in the lower Ruzizi plain, cross-border traders are moving these animals with the complicity of certain law enforcement agents stationed on the river routes.

The platform of small cross-border traders' associations in Uvira territories and Uvira city rejects this accusation. The secretary of this association Anda Kumana Masaro clarifies that this crossing is carried out by herders who are searching for pasture in collusion with law enforcement services on guard. "We do not engage in this kind of commerce, these residents were unable to distinguish between traders and herders".

"A false accusation," reply the herders, who justify this as an escape tactic on the part of cattle and goat traders.

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Who is really to blame?

According to the fisheries and livestock inspection service of Uvira territory, this clandestine crossing is carried out by cattle and goat traders from the Ruzizi plain. Elie Kijanda deplores this situation and says he has informed his superiors with a view to taking decisions to prevent this trafficking and to condemn those responsible.

The entry of animals and all animal products into Uvira city and territory has been prohibited since the appearance of Rift Valley fever in Burundi. This is to prevent the contamination and spread of this disease in the region, adds the fisheries and livestock inspector of Uvira territory.

It should be noted that a delegation from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Health and Environment from Kinshasa has been on the ground since July 21, 2022, to assess the situation of Rift Valley fever in Uvira territory and city. They have asked the population to remain vigilant to prevent the entry of this disease into Congo.

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Josephine Mungubi