The government of Angola has expressed the need to sign a cooperation agreement on security and public order with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as the redefinition and re-marking of border marks.
Angolan Interior Minister, Eugénio Laborinho, expressed this interest in a video call meeting held on Tuesday with DR Congo’s deputy prime minister and interior minister, Gilberto Malamba.
During the meeting, they reviewed the cooperation between the two countries, according to a note released by the Ministry of the Interior.
The source pointed out the need to proceed with the verification and replacement of border marks between the two neighbouring countries, as well as to carry out joint patrol missions along the common borders.
It also mentioned periodic technical meetings between the commanders and local chiefs of the Border Guard Police and migration and foreigners.
The reinforcement of control and awareness measures for repatriated citizens, the taking of measures to safeguard maritime and river spaces and the registration of citizens of both countries residing on the border are also steps to be taken in cooperation.
The Angolan official expressed his concern with the current state of the border marks, which need to be remarked and defined.
Concerns were also raised around the issues that favour illegal immigration, smuggling of fuels, medicines, goods, as well as border security issues.
“Many border or crossing points have precarious infrastructures that make it difficult to carry out police and customs control efficiently and effectively, as we wish,” said Eugénio Laborinho.
The latest incidents recorded in the border areas of the Angolan provinces of Cabinda and Lunda Norte, resulted in the death of a member of the Angolan Border Guard, killed by the Congolese Army in the Congolese province of Kasai.
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