Zambia temporarily closes three borders to the DRC

By Tamara Muswala

Government has temporarily closed all the three borders to the Democratic Republic of Congo - DRC- on the Copperbelt.

Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister CHIPOKA MULENGA says the development is aimed at protecting the country's property and human life, owing to the protests taking place in the DRC.

Mr. MULENGA says the last ten days have seen protests in the neighbouring country following the ban of imports in lime and beverages into that country.

He has told ZNBC News in Kasama that the Zambian government will engage authorities in DRC on the possibility of resolving the matter.

Mr. MULENGA has called for patience among drivers and the Zambian people on the traffic that may start to build up as a result of the development.

He said Kasumbalesa, Mokambo and Sakania borders will remain closed until the matter is resolved.

AND Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister MULAMBO HAIMBE said Government is engaging the Democratic Republic of Congo -DRC- on its recent announcement that it will not be allowing some Zambian products into that country.

Mr. HAIMBE said this is because Zambia belongs to a regional body, Southern African Development Community -SADC which has clear rules on how regions are supposed to relate with one another.

He said his office; working with the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry is making efforts to ensure that the matter is addressed quickly within the statutes of SADC on issues related to trade.