A Congolese lawmaker has called on the government to clarify its response to violence, arrests and alleged extortion targeting fishermen operating on Lakes Albert and Edward along the Uganda border, according to a report by 7SUR7.CD.

National Deputy Robert Agenong’A submitted a parliamentary question to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa over what he described as a worsening humanitarian, security and economic situation affecting fishing communities in Ituri and North Kivu provinces.

In a letter dated May 8, the Mahagi representative said fishermen had for years reported violence, arrests and illegal payments linked to security operations on the lakes. He alleged that several Congolese fishermen had died in incidents attributed to Ugandan security units operating on Lake Albert, including the Fish Protection Unit (FPU). Ugandan fishermen have also previously complained about harassment and arrests linked to FPU enforcement operations on Lake Albert, according to Uganda Radio Network.

Agenong’A also claimed some fishermen were arrested in Congolese waters before being transferred to Uganda, where they allegedly faced prosecution or detention. Previous regional reporting has documented arrests of foreign fishermen by Ugandan authorities during anti-illegal fishing operations on shared waters, including Congolese nationals operating on Lake Albert, according to The Citizen.

The MP further accused some elements within the Congolese security forces of demanding informal payments from fishermen seeking access to the lakes. According to his parliamentary submission, illegal fines ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 per vessel were allegedly imposed in some cases, alongside threats to confiscate fishing equipment.

The concerns also extend to the LEAF II regional fisheries project financed by the African Development Bank, which aimed to strengthen governance and fisheries management around Lakes Edward and Albert.

An Independent Recourse Mechanism review linked to the project identified concerns related to community consultation, livelihoods and risks of violence or reprisals against complainants, according to the African Development Bank’s IRM report.

The lawmaker is now asking the government to provide reports on joint patrol operations, clarify the legal framework governing lake security deployments and disclose the number of Congolese fishermen allegedly killed, arrested or detained in Uganda.

He also called for details on diplomatic discussions with Kampala and measures taken following recommendations linked to the African Development Bank review.