Zambian nationals are reportedly chasing away Congolese nationals telling them to go back to their country. In a video clip posted on social media by a Zambian politician, Joseph Kalimbwe, the narrator who is speaking in Shona says Zambians are assaulting Congolese at the Kasumbalesa border telling them to return to their country. It is not known why the dispute erupted. Young men are seen holding wooden sticks and chasing the alleged Congolese nationals. Watch the video below for more:
Some context:
Zambia’s economy has enjoyed a steady rise in the past 24 months resulting in some nationals of neighbouring countries seeking economic refugee in that country.
The foreign nationals include Congolese nationals who are fleeing from the ongoing conflict between Congolese troops and M23 rebels.
The fighting has forced nearly 200 000 people to flee their homes, according to Human Rights Watch.
There have been attacks carried out by various armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2021 and 2022.
The attacks have killed 629 and injured 321 (not including rebel casualties). At least 82 perpetrators were also killed and one injured in these attacks.
There are heightened concerns that the abusive rebel force, largely inactive for a decade, is receiving Rwandan support for its operations in North Kivu province.