Congo peace

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 10:16:35 +0000

ZAMBIA and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) share the longest border line among the neighbouring countries, stretching close to 2, 000 km.

Traditions and cultural patterns are as similar as they are infinitely connected among the peoples of the two countries. The interaction is profoundly regular in trade and most importantly as blood relations.

In some areas, the two countries are separated by water bodies as is the case in Luapula province on Lake Mweru and the large expanse of Luapula River. Elsewhere, the separation is a thin border line.

Naturally, events on either side, positive or negative, more often spill over the border line.

Thus the just-ended bilateral talks between Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu and DRC’s Joseph Kabila are a landmark as the two leaders stepped-up efforts to resolve various issues.

There could have been varied views from different sectors of society about the visit, but from purely a diplomatic standpoint and good neighbourliness it was tremendously important for the Heads of State to confer.

President Lungu did emphasise the imperative need for total peace in DRC while his counterpart admitted the fact that problems do exist in his country and that measures are in place to address the matter.

For Zambia, DRC provides a huge market for agriculture, livestock and other products.

The Zambian government has placed a high premium on international trade to stimulate growth in key sectors, hence the establishment of trade centres at Kasumbalesa and Kipushi border posts.

More development is taking place at Mokambo border post, what with the eminent rehabilitation of the Ndola-Mufulira road. Once this project is complete, DRC will even be more accessible.

With a population of about 80 million, DRC is a sure and hugely accessible market for Zambian products particularly in Katanga province. Literally all consumable goods come from Zambia. This is on the positive note!

However, the incursions in the neighbouring country have triggered insecurity and influx of asylum seekers into Zambia through Luapula Province.

Recent statistics show the total population of DRC asylum-seekers and refugees is around 30, 000.

The asylum seekers have continued streaming in through Nchelenge in Luapula Province. They are being temporarily hosted at Kenani refugee transit centre, which is now full to the brim with a staggering 14, 500 DRC refugee population.

Yes, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees has been on the ground while the United Nations Central Emergency Relief Fund has approved US$6.6 million for projects to support refugee settlement.

While these efforts are underway, it is ideal for the Heads of State to review and look at plans for the future. This is exactly what happed at the weekend.

Zambia and DRC have for some time been discussing trade, security and other pertinent issues at the Joint Permanent Commission. It is, therefore, apt that the matters have been escalated to the Heads of State level.

The two countries must continue talks at various levels to ensure total peace and increased trade volumes.

The infrastructure development on the Copperbelt, North Western Province and elsewhere will ease accessibility and reduce transport costs as Zambia aspires to upscale exports into the neighbouring country.

A case in point is the rehabilitation of the Chingola-Solwezi road which provides a gateway to DRC through Kasumbalesa and Kipushi border posts.

It is important to note that Kasumbalesa is the busiest border in the country and handles close to 700 trucks a day, exporting cement, sugar, mealie-meal cooking oil and many other products.

The DRC on the other hand exports to Zambia power, mineral ores and concentrates for the mines on the Copperbelt.

Therefore, the flow of traffic earns Zambia revenue in form of border crossing fees.

With the foregoing, the two countries will forevermore remain key trade partners and affable neighbours whose linkage is inseparable.