Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ***FOR REFERENCE ONLY*** ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ***FOR REFERENCE ONLY*** ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ***FOR REFERENCE ONLY*** ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ***FOR REFERENCE ONLY*** ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ***FOR REFERENCE ONLY*** ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ***FOR REFERENCE ONLY*** ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ***FOR REFERENCE ONLY*** ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Maman Soki is one of the older women transporters at the Petite Bar- rie?re. Today, she is independent and able to provide for her four children. Trapped by her girth in her tricycle, she protects herself from the sun with a rainbow-coloured umbrella, giving her the airs of a diva. "It's when I am with my children that I am really happy," she says. But when we ask her about her husband: "What man wants a woman in my condition? None!" she asserts challengingly. "I had her four children by four different men. Each of them left when they learned I was pregnant. For me, being disa- bled is different. They can find a wife and get married. But for a women, being disabled is being condemned to remain single." It's not easy to be a woman in Congo, and even less so for disabled women." Gisenyi, Rwanda 6th June 2013. Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Assya, a flour vendor and president of COTRAFAGI, the cross-border cooperative of flour vendors sits with her family describes her challenges. "Most problems related to the insecurity experienced in eastern Congo have had an impact on most of small trade merchants in Gisenyi. Before, I bought my supply of cassava from Goma, But since the M23 took the city of Goma in November 2012, there isn't any cassava to be found there anymore. We have to bring it from farther away, from Uganda, which increases our costs. Gisenyi, Rwanda 4th June 2013. Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

A hand made sign alerting all who cross the border from Rwanda to the DR Congo need to pass through immigration and other services before they are approved entry. This well worn amateurish sign is in contrast to the slick Western signs abundant in neighbouring Rwanda. Petite Barriere, DR Congo 3rd June 2013 . Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Men with their muscles straining, push the rusted metal tricycle of the disabled full of two to three hundred kilograms of merchandise with their bare hands. Petite Barriere Border, Goma, DR Congo 3 June 2013 . Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

On the Petite Barriere border, harassment by the immigration police is common; and then, further encounters with customs agents who demand tax payments. This can be very intimidating if you are a poor negotiator. The gent has accused the woman of smuggling which she denies vehe- mently. Petite Barriere, Goma, DR Congo 3 June 2013. Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

The Nyiragongo Volcano eruption in 2002 lasted only one day, destroyed 15% of Goma, and tens of thousands of people were made homeless from this violent natural disaster. Today, the Volcano stands defiant as a reminder of its power and also symbolically that through the aftermath of its explosive lava flow, burning embers nourish a rebirth of the land. It is symbolic of the region's historical conflict and the potential for it to have a rebirth and experience a renaissance. On a lazy Sunday afternoon local football clubs engage in their favourite sport. Football is an obsession in Africa. Goma, DR Congo 2nd June 2013. Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Along the road leading to the Petite Barrier a vibrant market is nestled taking advantage of all who cross the border. Here a trader is dispensing palm oil. Ghetto busters are blasting local rave music competing with the honking of horns and screeching of motorcycles. Petite Barriere border, Goma, DR Congo 30th May 2013 . Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Stretching along the broken road from the Petite Barriere varied structures in disrepair are the homes and businesses of the inhabitants of this area who rely heavily on cross border trade for their livelihoods. Most of these homes are doomed for destruction as the government has advised they will be taken down to make way for a modern road to strengthen the cross border trade. The residents do not know when this is happening and how much they will be compensated to move plus the loss of business trade. Virtually all the homes in the wake are marked with a bold red X. Petite Barriere, Goma, DR Congo 30th May 2013 . Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Mid Afternoon and the Rusizi 1 border continues to buzz with activity. A trio of Western garbed women stride in unison toward the bridge bor- der crossing from the DR Congo to Cyangugu in Rwanda. Around them the transporters carry on with their activities. Rusizi 1 border, Bukavu, DR Congo 28th May 2013?. Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Life on the border is a dynamic blend of business and social te?te-a?-te?te as they women take a short break for a bit of gossip. Rusizi 1 Border, Bukavu, DR Congo 28th May 2013. Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Buhuru leans authoritatively on the barrier of the Ruzizi 1 border bridge between the DR Congo and Rwanda Rusizi Border Bridge, DR Congo to Rwanda 27th May 2013 . Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Late in the afternoon, traders continue traversing the dilapidated Rusizi 1 border bridge between Bukavu and Cyangugu in Rwanda. A woman struts unconventionally dressed ready to perform in a ballet dance. Rusizi 1 Border Bridge, DR Congo to Rwanda 27th May 2013.. Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine

Sindo and Family: Sindo proudly poses with her family in front of her house that twenty years as a cross border trader has allowed her to build, feed her family, and send her children to school. Now, she laments that years of the strenuous physical effort has impacted her life, suffering from acute rheumatism. Bukavu, DR Congo 26th May 2013. Cross-border trade is an economic lifeline for the stalwart citizens along borders in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. The DR Congo, and its neighbouring nations is the epi-centre of this trade, a region economically broken through decades of armed conflict, a region where corruption flourishes and its humble citizens flounder in profound poverty under an umbrella of poor governance. There are estimated more than 30 competing armed groups threatening the region, especially the M23 operating close to the Eastern capital of Goma creating waves of murder, rape and displacement. Conflict, accompanied by endemic poverty is the divisive weapon assaulting the citizens' daily. ? Carol Allen-Storey / International Alert / eyevine