The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported illegal imports of Dangote-brand cement through the ports of Linda and Bouming in the Maluku area, in violation of existing import restrictions.

Foreign Trade Minister Julien Paluku Kahongya announced the news on the ministry’s official X (Twitter) account on Oct. 27, 2025.

In a related letter sent the same day to the public prosecutor’s office at the Kinshasa-Gombe High Court, the minister called for an immediate investigation to identify and prosecute those behind the illegal operations. Paluku also instructed SEGUCE DRC, the operator of the country’s single-window trade system, to tighten controls in the domestic cement market.

The ministry warned that such practices threaten the local industry. Paluku urged swift action to preserve fair competition, enforce trade regulations, and prevent future incidents in the region.

In July 2024, the government tightened import restrictions by temporarily suspending gray cement and clinker imports in the western and southeastern regions to protect and boost domestic production.

The import suspension, however, has drawn mixed reactions. Some consumers blame it for higher cement prices, which reportedly rose from $8 to $15 per bag in southeastern DRC.

Ronsard Luabeya