Ahmad 
The Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia have begun talks to resolve a trade dispute that erupted between the two countries after Zambia closed its border with Congo last Saturday.
The Zambian decision came after the Democratic Republic of Congo imposed a ban on some types of beverages, sparking protests by Congolese transport companies in the town of Kasumbalesa, a major transit point into Zambia.
In a statement issued by the Congolese Ministry of Trade, the ministry said talks between the two governments had begun via video conference since Sunday, with a view to reopening the border as soon as possible.
The statement added that the two sides intend to meet in the city of Lubumbashi in Haut Katanga soon to find a permanent solution to the crisis.
The Congolese Minister of Trade, Julien Paluku Kahongya, explained that his ministry had not been notified of any formal trade dispute by Zambia before the closure was announced, noting that the ministry had not received any written or diplomatic notifications regarding the dispute.
The minister confirmed that his ministry was ready to consider any requests made by the Zambian side in line with existing agreements, which prohibit retaliatory measures.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of copper, producing about 2.84 million tons of copper in 2023. Zambia is a major export route for Congolese copper, with most of Congo’s exports passing through Kasumbalesa to Zambia.
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