Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Zambia Closes Borders with DRC Amid Escalating Protests

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The Government has temporarily closed all three border crossings with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the Copperbelt, including the Ndola-Sakania border. The decision comes as a precautionary measure to safeguard property and human life amid ongoing protests in the neighboring country.

Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga announced the closure, which affects the Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakania border posts. Minister Mulenga explained that the move is intended to protect Zambia’s interests as the situation in the DRC grows increasingly volatile. The protests, which have persisted for the past ten days, were sparked by the DRC’s recent ban on the importation of lime and beverages, leading to widespread unrest.

In a statement from Kasama, Minister Mulenga reassured the public that the Zambian government is in active communication with DRC authorities to find a resolution to the crisis. He also urged patience from drivers and the general public, acknowledging that the border closures could cause significant traffic congestion and disrupt trade.

“The safety of our citizens and the protection of our nation’s assets are paramount,” said Minister Mulenga. “We are closely monitoring the situation and will reopen the borders once it is safe to do so and the matter has been resolved.”

The temporary border closures will remain in effect until further notice as diplomatic efforts continue to address the underlying issues driving the protests in the DRC.

9 COMMENTS

  1. This and the worsening loadshedding will spiral the economy downwards. And with the government’s serious lack of strategic planning, kaya 🙁

  2. Africa Life given 42 million dollars to manage mining environment fund, Africa Life building near Pamodzi Hotel sold to ZNBS, Chiawa Farm of Zambeef bought by GRZ to bail out ZAMBEEF
    The common factor? HH along with his cousin Muna Hantuba are shareholders in all these outfits. Mopani is owned by HH, Muna, Valentine and late Mundashi through front company.

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  3. Chipante pante Government….which protests are they talking about….??? They’re no protests in the DRC….
    Hakainde Hichilema is slowly destroying Zambia

  4. Never even when there was chaos did the DRC borders closed. KK simply built the Tuta road and only the brave and daring continued to use the Mokambo border road to Luapula. We continued trading at Kasumba Lesa. You are inconveniencing us with Zesco and now this.

    • Tuta was constructed because corrupt DRC army and police who werent getting paid by Mobutu, were continuosly harrassing Zambian travellers for cash. The Ndola-Mufulira road became a hunting ground for Zairean robbers

  5. Look here: The So-called NO VISION ECL in 7 Years Fuel was K17, Mealie Meal K120, Dollar @K22 highest.

    The So-Called Visionary HH in 2 Years Fuel @K35, Mealie Meal @K415, Dollar@ K27. You figure it out for yourself. Who is the Chimbwi here????

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