The Nizi bridge in Ituri province collapsed on Nov. 29, cutting a key supply route, local civil society groups said. The bridge deck gave way under a truck, which overturned, though the drivers were not injured.

Traffic on the Iga-Barrière-Mongwalu road in Djugu territory has been completely halted since the collapse. Dhino Gédéon, president of the Bahema Baguru civil society group, told local media that the blocked road now prevents access to an area that supplies surrounding villages. “People can no longer easily get basic necessities,” he said.

The impact is already visible. Provincial lawmaker Jean-Pierre Bikilisende said the severed link has pushed up prices for goods such as rice and fuel. Other staples are becoming more expensive, and some products are starting to disappear from markets.

Civil society groups also warned of security risks. Radio Okapi reported that the road closure is making it harder for the Congolese army (FARDC) to move through the area and could slow its response to incidents in an already unstable region.

They said the situation makes reopening the route urgent to restore supply lines and improve protection for civilians.

Boaz Kabeya