The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced on Sunday that it had begun negotiations with Zambia after their shared border was abruptly closed, disrupting a vital export pathway for the DRC, the world’s second-largest copper producer.
Zambia’s Trade Minister, Chipoka Mulenga, announced the temporary closure on Saturday following protests by Congolese transporters in Kasumbalesa, a border town between the two nations. The protests were sparked by a recent Congolese ban on imported soft drinks and beer.
In response, the Congolese Trade Ministry confirmed that discussions had commenced via videoconference on Sunday, aiming for a swift resolution and the reopening of the border. The ministry stated that a face-to-face meeting between the two governments would take place shortly in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga, to find a long-term solution to the trade issues.
Congo’s Trade Minister, Julien Paluku Kahongya, noted in an earlier statement on Sunday that Zambia had not formally notified the DRC of any trade dispute before the border closure. He highlighted the existing trade agreement between the two countries and its mechanisms for resolving such disputes.
“To date, no dispute has been formally brought to our attention in writing or through diplomatic channels,” Paluku said. “The ministry is prepared to review any request from the Zambian side in accordance with the agreement, which also prohibits retaliatory measures.”
In 2023, the DRC produced approximately 2.84 million tons of copper, making it the world’s second-largest producer and third-largest exporter. Zambia remains a crucial route for the DRC’s copper exports, with most of the shipments passing through Kasumbalesa into Zambia.
