IT is important that the government acts swiftly to end the misunderstandings reported in Kaputa between the local residents and soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
It has been reported that there is tension arising from skirmishes involving some residents of Kaputa being harassed by Congolese soldiers.
That Defence Minister, Ambrose Lufuma has confirmed the reports is proof that there is indeed a problem that should not be allowed to get out of hand.
In fact, we are happy that Mr Lufuna, while admitting to the skirmishes said they were in the process of setting up bilateral meetings to resolve the problem.
Zambia and Congo DR share one of the longest borders among African countries, stretching about 2, 331.83 kilometres.
This should make the two countries enjoy a special relationship that should be free of tension. In fact, the so-called international border does not exist among the people on the ground. As is most common along border areas, villages often straddle the boundary, with families found on either side.
Any misunderstanding therefore along their long frontier should immediately jolt the authorities into action to ensure that there is peaceful co-existence among the people of the two countries.
Mr Lufuna noted that the border issue was a matter of urgency and that the government attached great importance to the matter.
Tension has been brewing between Zambians and their neighbours in the DRC over the borders with most cases ending in altercations between them.
PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE
