from JEAN KASSONGO in Kinshasa, DRC
DRC Bureau
KINSHASA, (CAJ News) – THE Democratic Republic of Congo must provide adequate security to international truck drivers who are vulnerable to attacks when ferrying goods.
This is the main resolution of the just-concluded 14th Session of the DRC- Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security held in Lubumbashi, DRC.
According to a communique issued at the end of the summit that ended this past weekend, the issue of insecurity for truck drivers will be attended to as soon as possible.
“Regarding the facilitation of commerce and trade, the commission took note of security challenges that international truckers faced as they transit through the DRC while transporting goods in view of recent attacks,” read the communique in part.
The two countries also emphasised the need for international trade not to be affected by attacks on truck drivers.
“Therefore, the commission agreed that the DRC government should enhance security measures along high-risk trucking routes in order to guarantee the safety of foreign truck drivers, in line with international norms and regional protocols on the safety of cross-border transport workers.”
The ongoing insecurity in the eastern DRC also featured at the summit.
Zambia and DRC have rallied behind international efforts being made to stop the fighting.
“In reviewing recent developments in the Southern Africa region, the commission noted, with concern, the continued insecurity in the eastern DRC,” the communique read.
“The commission reaffirmed its support for both regional and international interventions aimed at not only resolving the insecurity in the eastern DRC, but addressing the resultant humanitarian crisis.”
DRC and Zambia, Africa’s leading producers of copper, are involved in intermittent trade dispute and subsequent security concerns.
This has resulted in the closure of the major border crossings in Kasumbalesa, Mokambo and Sakania.
– CAJ News