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

Disruptions to ground freight transport between mainland Angola and the nation's Cabinda enclave within the DRC will likely continue through at least mid-October amid an unspecified dispute between Luanda and Kinshasa. The DRC government has issued orders prohibiting Angolan cargo trucks destined for Cabinda from crossing its territory via Kongo Central Province until further notice. Although the directive reportedly went into effect on Sept. 25, the Association of Merchant Ground Transporters of Angola (ATROMA) asserts that, as of Oct. 2, more than 24 Angolan trucks hauling food and construction materials for the Cabinda refinery have remained stranded within the DRC for more than 15 days after having been 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 situation is probably 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 clashes between truckers and DRC police cannot be ruled out. Cross-border skirmishes between Angolan and Congolese security forces, while unlikely, are also possible.