Zambia and DRC Resolve Trade Dispute, Reopen Border to Restore Commerce
Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed to reopen their shared border on Monday after resolving a trade dispute that led to its closure over the weekend.
In a joint statement, the commerce ministers of both nations announced, “The Zambian party informed the Congolese party that the border will be reopened to allow the free movement of people and goods between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Zambia.”
The agreement followed a meeting between Zambia’s Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, Chipoka Mulenga, and Congolese officials in Lubumbashi.
The dispute arose after the DRC imposed a ban on the import of soft drinks and beer from Zambia, prompting Zambia to close its border with the DRC on Sunday.
The ban sparked protests by Congolese truck drivers near the border town of Kasumbalesa and drew criticism from Zambian business groups.
The Zambian Association of Manufacturers voiced concerns that the ban could set a “dangerous precedent for future trade relations.”
Zambia’s decision to close its border had also threatened the DRC’s ability to export its mineral resources, including gold, copper, and cobalt, much of which is transported through Zambia to coastal ports.
The swift resolution of this trade dispute underscores the importance of maintaining open borders and fostering strong relations between neighboring countries in the region.
