DRC border tiff under discussion - Malanji

ZAMBIA and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) still have a cordial relationship despite them approaching Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to mediate in long-standing border dispute between the two countries, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joe Malanji has said.

d Meanwhile, Mr Malanji revealed that Zambia has requested the DRC government to clarify whether the Congolese soldiers that are reported to have crossed into Zambia at an area called Mulilo in Mpulungu and interfered with the people of Zambia were rebels or State soldiers.

“Some Congolese soldiers had crossed into Zambia at a place called Mulilo somewhere near Lake Tanganyika and interfered with people. So we want to know whether they are rebels or government soldiers,” he said.

Mr Malanji said the two Heads of State were in constant talks to ensure the misunderstanding over the territorial boundaries were ironed out.

The Minister was reacting to reports that DRC special envoy, Marie Nzeza on Monday this week met Mnangagwa at State House to seek his intervention in its long-standing border dispute with Zambia.

DRC approached President Mnangagwa to mediate on the matter in his capacity as current chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)'s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Malanji said there was no need to worry about the matter because the two countries still have a warm relationship.

“There has been concern from the citizens that DRC approached Zimbabwe to mediate in long-standing border dispute with Zambia, there is nothing to worry because Zambia and DRC have a very cordial relationship. That is just a mere follow up. Remember, I was also sent as an envoy by President Edgar Lungu to meet President Tshisekedi over the same matter.

“As a country, we have eight neighbours and have no friction with any country.