According to the Minister of the Interior, "after two years of closure" and after hearing the Multisectoral Commission for the Prevention and Combat of Covid-19, the President of the Republic was "sensitive to the difficulties" of the populations, especially border residents, and "upon prior notice consultation" with DRCongo determined "the reopening of the common border".
Eugénio Laborinho presided over the reopening of the Luvu/Angola and Lufu/DRCongo border posts in a ceremony that took place in Zaire province, north of the country, and which was attended by Congolese rulers.
For the official, the reopening of the common border "will provide for both peoples and governments immeasurable gains that will certainly be reflected in the economies of both countries and, consequently, in the improvement of the social conditions of the populations".
"However, the need to strictly observe the biosecurity measures, established by the health authorities of the two countries, during the crossing of border posts, is recommended, in order to safeguard the objectives that led to their reopening", said Laborinho in his intervention.
The minister admitted that the reopening of the border could lead to the occurrence of cross-border crimes, such as smuggling of goods, fuel, trafficking in arms, drugs, people, illegal immigration and others, advocating increased surveillance.
The official defended that the defense and security bodies are called upon to "redouble the necessary efforts" aimed at preventing and combating crimes, with a view to giving a feeling of security to the populations along the common border.
"Likewise, it is of paramount importance that the two countries work hard to transform the Luvu and Lufu border posts into a one-stop border post, with the aim of simplifying and speeding up the migratory act, with a view to strengthening cooperation as well as trade facilitation", he stressed.
According to the minister, both governments "do not only work for economic progress and sustainable development, but mainly aim to contribute to the well-being of their populations and the maintenance of regional peace".
Angola and DRCongo share a vast land and river border of 2511 kilometers characterized by an intense migratory movement of people and goods.
