In 2017 the International Peace Information Service (IPIS), Association pour le Développement des Initiatives Paysannes (ASSODIP), and Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) conducted an extensive study of the political economy of roadblocks in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Mapping
almost 800 roadblocks throughout North and South Kivu, the study provided detailed evidence of the extent to which armed actors extract wealth from the movement of goods and people.
In 2023, ASSODIP, DIIS, and IPIS conducted a case study focusing on roadblocks in the territories of Masisi and Walikale in the province of North Kivu (Figure 1). This case study builds upon the 2017 study—but focuses on smaller geographic area—to explore changes over time and to get a sense of new trends with regard to the roadblocks. The study identified 110 roadblocks: 84 in Masisi territory and 26 in Walikale territory.
The team also mapped 40 roadblocks along the Route Nationale No. 3 linking Walikale with Bukavu, in South Kivu. In the attached document is a summary of key points of the 2023 case study, captured under four subheadings: who runs the roadblocks, roadblocks and mineral supply chains, impact of roadblocks, and recommendations.