Angola, DRC: Ground freight transport to and from Cabinda via Kongo Central Province likely to remain disrupted through at least mid-October /update 1

Further disruptions to ground freight transport between mainland Angola and the Cabinda enclave in the DRC will likely continue through at least mid-October amid an unspecified dispute between Angolan and Congolese authorities. In September, the DRC government prohibited Angolan cargo trucks destined for Cabinda from crossing its territory via Kongo Central Province. On Oct. 3, the ban was lifted, though reportedly only for empty vehicles. Reports suggested that over 400 trucks had been stranded within the DRC, including at least 24 Angolan trucks hauling food and construction materials for the Cabinda refinery had remained stranded within the DRC after being taken by surprise by the measure. The reason for the restriction is unclear, but it could be related to a disagreement over the alleged disparity in customs fees paid by Angolan and Congolese truckers to operate within each other's countries.

The restrictions are likely affecting the Iema crossing along the northern border with Cabinda, as well as the Matadi and Luvo crossings along the DRC's southern border with mainland Angola. Increased security is likely along the border for the duration of the closure, especially near the affected crossings. Localized delays and traffic backlogs are likely along the EN100 and EN120 highways in Angola and the RN1 in the DRC. Localized protests and clashes between truckers and DRC police cannot be ruled out. Cross-border skirmishes between Angolan and Congolese security forces, while unlikely, are also possible.