Update on the recent Zambian borders closure with the DRC
The Minister of Foreign Trade, Julien PALUKU has reached a resolution to immediately reopen the Zambian borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo
Lusaka, August 12, 2024— With another border crisis between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Zambia, the Minister of Foreign Trade from the DRC, Julien PALUKU, convened a meeting on August 12, 2024 between the two parties and presented to the Council two information notes on: (i) the need to build a national brand image to promote and position the country in international markets; (ii) measures to safeguard local production through the control of imports: the case of Zambia.
Regarding the development of a brand image specific to the Democratic Republic of Congo, he stated that it is necessary for our country to be promoted and positioned on the global stage.
Speaking on this matter, the Prime Minister asked the Minister of Foreign Trade to join the team of ministers working to finalize the overall strategic communication plan for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As for the measures to safeguard local production through the control of imports, specifically the case of Zambia, the Minister of Foreign Trade clarified that the bilateral agreement was not violated by the Democratic Republic of Congo to justify the closure of the Zambian borders at Kasumbalesa, Sakania Mokambo, etc.
Following the meeting between the two parties, held on August 12, 2024, at the Governorate of the Haut Katanga Province, a joint communiqué was signed, outlining Zambia's decision (i) to immediately reopen the border it had closed, (ii) not to restrict transit traffic on its territory, and (iii) not to allow goods arriving in transit in Zambia to be broken down on its territory; this would reduce by at least 50% the phenomenon known as “agriculture field" at Kasumbalesa.
The said communiqué also recalls the relevant provisions contained in the ministerial decrees concerning safeguard measures, including the special exemption of thirty (30) days collectively granted to economic operators whose imports were initiated before the signing of these decrees.
In the meantime, the two parties will establish a joint commission to evaluate the trade agreement between the two countries and work on other aspects related to trade between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.
Drawing lessons from this crisis and with the aim of making our industrial fabric capable of facing regional competition, the Minister of Foreign Trade proposed a series of recommendations to the government.
The Council took note of these two information briefs.
