In Congo, the government decided, from the beginning of 2023, to ban the export of these large logs of wood to process them on site, in order to create more jobs. The measure is supported by part of civil society but shunned by logging companies who believe they have been taken by surprise.
With our correspondent in Brazzaville, Loicia Martial
The decision to prohibit the export of wood, produced on Congolese soil, in logs, is welcomed by the Action Center for Development (CAD) headed by Trésor Nzila.
” We really want there to be further processing of wood, because there will be added value in the economy and the lives of the Congolese “, he argues.
It is, however, contested by Georges Claver Bouzanga, adviser to the private company IFO, Forest Industry of Ouesso, who considers the decision brutal and asks for a three-year transition.
” This is a measure that practically surprises the foresters, because they, in the provision of 2023, had already prepared the annual cuts. So it’s a measure that surprises the foresters a littles,” he laments.
“False”, retorts Joseph Moumbuilou, director general of the forest economy.
” The measure is not brutal. The export ban is a measure that dates back more than 20 years. I think there was consultation. Consultations will continue. We are partners with wood professionals “, he argues.
It was in 2000 that Congo-Brazzaville decided to stop exporting logs, but the measure was never applied, as the government gave logging companies time to set up processing units. But until then, this is still not the case for all companies.
Read also: Congo-Brazzaville ends the export of logs produced on its territory