In a press briefing this morning , Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, Copperbelt Province Minister Hon. Elisha Matambo, and officials from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) provided an update on the temporary closure of the borders between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the Copperbelt Province.
The closure of the three borders was announced by the Zambian government to ensure the safety of both property and human life in response to ongoing protests in the DRC. The decision is not related to Zambia’s political stance towards the DRC but is instead a precautionary measure to address potential risks.
In a bid to resolve the issue, representatives from both nations are scheduled to meet today in Lubumbashi, DRC, to negotiate a mutually agreeable solution. Following the closure, the DRC’s Minister of Trade has reached out to Hon. Chipoka Mulenga to discuss how to address the concerns and ensure the safety of citizens from both countries.
Copperbelt Minister Hon. Elisha Matambo assured the public that the situation in Kasumbalesa and the surrounding areas remains calm, emphasizing that there is no immediate cause for alarm. He also reassured investors and businesspeople that the Copperbelt continues to be a safe and viable location for investment and business activities.
