Shopping arcades, fuel stations, shops and small businesses in Butembo stayed shut for a third straight day on Wednesday, Radio Okapi reported. Traders in the North Kivu city are striking over what they describe as a growing pile of taxes and administrative checks.
According to the strikers, several state agencies keep stepping up inspections and demands for tax payments. These include national and provincial revenue authorities. The traders say this disrupts the normal running of their businesses.
Talks failed last weekend. Traders' representatives met city authorities but did not reach an agreement, the broadcaster said.
Business associations have now asked the military governor of North Kivu to step in. They hope he will take measures to ease tensions and get trade moving again.
The protest follows similar complaints by traders in Beni a few days earlier. Radio Okapi said this signals unease shared by part of the business community in the region.
Until new negotiations take place, Butembo is running at a slow pace. Radio Okapi said the strike is hurting trade and people's daily lives.