Calm restored at Kasumbalesa border

DEFENCE Minister Ambrose Lufuma has intervened in restoring peace at the Kasumbalesa border after truck drivers and Congolese counterparts clashed for almost two days.

Mr Lufuma’s visit comes barely three days after his Copperbelt counterpart Elisha Matambo also visited the area with the Katanga Governor tried to quell the tension.

“I am in Kasumbalesa with our counterparts from the DRC in resolving the impasse of truckers refusing to transit into the Democratic Republic of Congo Congo (DRC) until security is provided AND restored,” Mr Lufuma said.

He said it was unfortunate that situation at the border had degenerated into stoppage of work which had resulted into trucks being marooned thereby causing congestion.

He said long meandering ques, stretching from Kasumbalesa down to Chililabombwe hence holding commerce and trade between the two countries and SADC.

Mr Lufuma said in a cordial and friendly atmosphere the two countries resolved that security would be provided by the DRC government and that trucks have since started crossing and trekking into the DRC.

He said an emergency line called Green Line was given to all the truckers for contact in case of any emergencies.

Mr Lufuma said the negotiations team comprised of three Ministers, Mr Jack Mwiimbu, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security and Mr Elisha Matambo Minister for Copperbelt Province.

“We would like to thank our Congolese counterparts for the cooperation and commitment to resolving the problem. The riotous behavior and looting which ensued yesterday has been stopped and calm has been restored in the border town of Kasumbalesa,” Mr Lufuma said.