Kisangani, June 18th, 2026 (CPA).- The sharp increase in rice prices was at the center of discussions on Thursday in Kisangani, capital of Tshopo Province in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), between a delegation from the Ministry of National Economy and the Acting Provincial Minister in charge of Economy, CPA observed. “We came to meet the Provincial Minister in charge of Economy to discuss the situation of rice prices in Tshopo Province, particularly in the city of Kisangani. The central government was alerted by the monitoring mechanism established to track the surge in rice prices, and the Provincial Minister referred the matter to the Minister of National Economy while proposing a number of possible solutions,” said Emmanuel M’firi, adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of National Economy.
According to him, the discussions also provided an opportunity to assess short-term responses that could be implemented during this period marked by pressure on supply. “We will examine what can be done in the immediate term to manage this situation until local production is able to resume its usual role,” Emmanuel M’firi added. The adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister explained that the mission reflects the central government’s determination to obtain accurate information “as quickly as possible” in order to ensure an appropriate intervention. “The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in charge of National Economy, on behalf of the central government, decided to dispatch a delegation tasked with reporting back as soon as possible on the measures that can be taken to address this situation,” he said. Addressing the expectations of the population, he assured that the mission’s results would become visible “very quickly” thanks to the involvement of the Economic Regulation Fund. “We are here with the Economic Regulation Fund, a structure established to manage this type of situation whenever there is a price distortion. I believe that appropriate measures will be put in place very soon,” he affirmed.
The minister’s adviser finally reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to combating the high cost of living.
“The people of Kisangani should know that the central government stands by their side and that a solution will be considered very soon to address this situation,” Emmanuel M’firi concluded.