Fishing activities have resumed in Vitshumbi and Nyakakoma, two localities on the south and east shores of Lake Edward in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu, DR Congo. The resumption of fishing activities occurred on November 2, following a four-week suspension as part of Ebola prevention measures. The activities are, however, limited by a rotational system that restricts the number of authorized fishing boats.
According to the Virunga Fisheries Cooperative (COOPEVI), only 100 out of 400 boats are allowed to operate in Vitshumbi, while in Nyakakoma, only 60 out of 187 boats are permitted to resume fishing. In Vitshumbi, each group of fishermen has three days of activity before giving way to another team. In Nyakakoma, the rotation is organized over a two-day period. Despite the resumption, fishing activities remain timid, and restrictions continue to weigh on fishermen and other economic actors who depend on this activity.
Fishing is one of the main sources of income and subsistence for the inhabitants of Vitshumbi and Nyakakoma. A Vitshumbi fisherman, who requested anonymity, stated that authorized fishermen were registered and photographed by the Front for Refoundation of the Nation (FRN) rebel group, which controls the region. However, he lamented the persistence of illegal fishing, which continues to occur without being effectively addressed.
In Nyakakoma, residents expressed concern that activities are still far from returning to normal. A local notable questioned the effectiveness of the rotational system, citing continued illegal fishing in Lake Edward's waters. The COOPEVI is advocating for a normal resumption of all fishing activities to allow riverine communities to regain their livelihoods.
The suspension of fishing activities in Vitshumbi and Nyakakoma was announced on October 5 by Ephrem Kabasha, administrator of Rutshuru territory, as a preventive measure in the context of the Ebola outbreak in a neighboring territory. The measure also affected circulation between the two fishing areas and Kiwanja, as well as several road axes.
The interruption of fishing activities affected fishermen, fish sellers, and other economic operators whose income depends directly on activities on Lake Edward. The resumption of fishing activities is expected to help alleviate the economic impact of the suspension on local communities.
The situation in Vitshumbi and Nyakakoma highlights the challenges faced by communities in DR Congo in balancing public health measures with economic and social needs. The COOPEVI's call for a normal resumption of fishing activities underscores the need for sustainable solutions that balance health concerns with the livelihoods of local communities.
Key points
- DR Congo's Vitshumbi and Nyakakoma resume fishing activities after a month-long suspension due to Ebola prevention measures.
- The resumption of fishing activities is limited by a rotational system that restricts the number of authorized fishing boats.
- Local communities and the COOPEVI are advocating for a normal resumption of all fishing activities to allow riverine communities to regain their livelihoods.
