The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced on Sunday that it has initiated talks with Zambia to reopen their shared border, which was closed by Zambian authorities on Saturday.
The border closure has blocked a key export route for the DRC, the world’s second-largest copper producer.
Zambian Trade Minister Chipoka Mulenga announced the temporary border closure following demonstrations by Congolese transporters in the border town of Kasumbalesa. The protests were sparked by a Congolese ban on imported soft drinks and beer.
The Congolese trade ministry stated, “Talks between the Congolese and Zambian governments have started since this Sunday via videoconference to lead to the rapid reopening of the borders.”
The ministry added that representatives from both countries would meet in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga, to seek a lasting solution regarding trade issues.
Congolese Trade Minister Julien Paluku Kahongya noted that his ministry had not received formal notice of a trade dispute from Zambia prior to the border closure announcement.
He outlined the two countries’ trade agreement and its dispute settlement mechanisms, stating, “There is to date no dispute brought to (the ministry’s) attention in writing or through diplomatic channels.”
The DRC produced approximately 2.84 million tons of copper in 2023, making it the world’s second-largest producer and third-largest exporter of the metal.
Zambia serves as a crucial export route for the Central African country, with most of Congo’s copper exports passing through Kasumbalesa and into Zambia.
The ongoing negotiations aim to resolve the trade dispute and reopen the border, which is vital for the DRC’s copper industry and regional trade.
Reuters
