Zambia suspends borders with neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) — Zambia on Sunday announced the temporary closure of all three of its functional border gates to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over protests against select import restrictions on products.

"The closure of Kasumbalesa, Mokambo and Sakania borders on the Copperbelt is aimed at protecting human life and property, owing to the protests taking place in the DRC," Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga was quoted as saying by local media.

"The government will engage authorities in the DRC on the possibility of resolving this matter," Mulenga said, adding that the decision was prompted by the last 10 days of protests in the neighboring country over the import curbs, which include limes and various beverages.

Zambia's Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe said efforts were being made to address the matter within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Cooperation is ongoing with the Commerce, Trade and Industry Ministry to "ensure that the matter is resolved quickly as the SADC has clear rules on how regions are supposed to relate with one another," Haimbe was quoted as saying by the country's public broadcaster.

Congolese Trade Minister Julien Paluku Kahongya said in a statement Sunday that the matter was receiving due attention.

He said they were seeking a solution that would swiftly reopen the borders.

Kahongya however indicated his ministry had not received any formal notice from the neighboring state prior to the announcement of the closure.

In separate remarks, SADC-wide truck drivers association head Eugene Ndhlovu said he hoped bilateral engagements would yield an enduring solution to the safety and security challenges faced by drivers transporting commodities between the two countries.