HICHILEMA CALLS FOR 24-HOUR BORDER OPERATIONS

President Hakainde Hichilema has called for Zambia’s border posts to operate 24 hours a day, saying keeping them closed at night amounts to underutilizing infrastructure developed by the country.

Speaking during the 20th Ordinary Session of the Regional Inter-Ministerial meeting, President Hichilema said Government has a duty to ensure borders remain operational around the clock, with security agencies strengthening surveillance and working efficiently.

The President said continuous border operations would help facilitate trade and reduce the cost of doing business, while making better use of existing infrastructure.

He also called for closer cooperation among countries in the Great Lakes region, including the Central African Republic, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to address challenges affecting regional economies.

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe said the Great Lakes region has abundant natural resources, a youthful population, fertile land, strategic trade routes and significant opportunities for economic integration.

Mr Haimbe, however, said the region’s potential continues to be undermined by insecurity, armed conflict, humanitarian challenges, political tensions, illicit exploitation of natural resources and cross-border threats.