The trade of timber sourced from the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to grow, especially in Rwanda, where the market for household items increasingly demands reliable and durable wood. However, behind this profit lie serious problems affecting the environment, security, and the region’s economy.
In North Kivu Province, timber harvesting takes place in areas beyond the reach of security forces, often linked to the activities of armed groups such as the ADF. Salumu Mawaya, President of the Timber Traders Association in the Beni region, stated:
“Authorized loggers are few. Most operate in insecure areas occupied by rebels. The taxes paid do not go to the government but to the armed groups.”
Timber taken from protected forests such as Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks is smuggled into Rwanda, mainly to cities like Kigali, Rubavu, and Musanze. Fataki Baloti, director of SAPEDIC in Butembo, explained:
“Trees are harvested from our forests, including Virunga, which are valuable but are cut down by armed groups and the military forces of neighboring countries, including Uganda. This is massive deforestation carried out by those supposed to protect it.”
Didier Kabi, Minister of Environment in South Kivu, confirmed that timber felled in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is loaded onto trucks heading to the Kasheke port, passing through routes like Kasindi and Bunagana before entering Rwanda.
Raymond Buralike, president of civil society in Kabare district, said:
“This activity is used as a cover by politicians with their own interests. Timber from protected forests is sold by those in power.”
In Rwanda, Minister of Trade Prudence Sebahizi said:
“We found no reason to require certificates for products that do not affect health. Certificates are now only required for food and medicines.”
Bizimana Mohamed, a timber transporter, said:
“When the wood reaches the border, you only pay taxes. No one checks where the timber came from.”
Rwandan furniture makers report that Congolese timber is widespread but becoming scarce. Nsengimana Jean Maurice, a furniture maker in Kigali, said:
Timber from Congo lasts.
Uwihanganye Emmanuel, another craftsman, stated:
“Congolese timber is distributed everywhere—Kigali, Rubavu, Musanze. But it is gradually running out.”
Jean Pierre Ntirenganya, manager of a large market in Musanze, said:
“People still cut down immature trees. This results in furniture of poor quality. We encourage tree planting, but many ignore this message.”
Prices for timber such as Libuyu reach about $775 per cubic meter, and Muvura $691 per cubic meter, while furniture made from this timber sells for much higher prices compared to local wood products.
Wood Habitat, a Rwandan company, has launched a program to use environmentally friendly timber, aiming to exclusively use certified wood by 2025.
This problem requires cooperation between the DRC and the region to monitor the origin of all timber entering Rwanda, establish sustainable markets that protect the environment, and punish those involved in illegal logging of protected forests.
