Beni: The Ugandan Shilling Must Not Dominate the Congolese Franc on Our Land says Military Admin

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, the Military Administrator of Beni Territory reaffirmed efforts to stop the use of foreign currency, especially the "Ugandan Shilling," in place of the Congolese Franc. This issue is particularly evident in the Watalinga chiefdom, located at the border between the DRC and Uganda in North Kivu.

"The Ugandan Shilling must not dominate our currency on our land, in our country, and within an entity managed by a military officer like me," stated Colonel Ehuta Omeonga Charles, Military Administrator of Beni Territory.

In the Watalinga chiefdom and at the Kasindi-Lubiriha border post, most business transactions and financial exchanges favor the "Ugandan Shilling" over the Congolese Franc. Colonel Omeonga emphasized that eliminating the foreign currency entirely is a collective responsibility.

"It’s now or never for us to fight together and get rid of the Ugandan Shilling. We will use our own currency," he insisted.

The Military Administrator also reminded the Watalinga population that the tolerance period ends on January 31. Starting in February, all trade and purchases must prioritize the Congolese Franc.

The ban on using the Ugandan Shilling in Beni Territory began in October 2024. However, some local communities opposed the measure, citing long-standing trade ties with Uganda that go back several years.

Source: Kivumorningpost