Kinshasa, July 7th, 2026 (CPA). – Three networks of economic sabotage have been analysed on Tuesday in Kasumbalesa, in the province of Haut-Katanga, in the south-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, by a government mission – including notably the Minister in charge of Foreign Trade – in order to gain a first-hand understanding of the realities denounced since several years ago, according to a press release received by CPA.
“The aim is to get a first-hand grasp of the unacceptable realities that have been criticised for far too long. The assessment is bitter. Three networks of economic sabotage have been meticulously analysed, namely the ‘BAMBA ROHO’ and ‘BILANGA’ phenomena, as well as the undervaluation and the misclassification of goods,” it is read in the press release. According to this source, the ‘BAMBA ROHO’ phenomenon, which means ‘the hand on the heart’, is a fraudulent system in which oversized vehicles over five metres in height transport split consignments from Zambia, with accomplices on both sides of the border. The ‘BILANGA’ phenomenon, which means ‘the field’, involves the use of footpaths that have been turned into veritable corridors for customs fraud, with goods being split up on Zambian soil, thereby fuelling a underground economy. As for the undervaluation and misdescription of goods, these are presented as economic treason orchestrated by certain public officials who alter the nature and value of consignments for personal gain, to the detriment of the public treasury. In the face of this situation, which is damaging the national economy, the Minister in charge of the Foreign Trade has convened a meeting with the heads of the agencies operating at the border to make it clear that the party is over. He has also announced the launching of four major modernisation projects in Kasumbalesa, namely the roll-out of the Simplified Trade Regime (RECOS) to regulate and formalise small-scale cross-border trade, the construction of a one-stop border post (PFAU), the development of a modern dry port designed to optimise the management of trade flows, and the complete modernisation of the road network with a view to transform Kasumbalesa into a truly modern town. Regarding measures to be implemented immediately, Julien Paluku has indicated that the time for warnings is over; it is now time for action. He has therefore announced the strict obligation to use the Integrated Single Window for Foreign Trade (GUICE), with the complete digitisation of procedures, the immediate installation of a border checkpoint accompanied by a permanent ban on access for vehicles involved in the ‘BAMBA ROHO’ network, as well as the strengthening of technological surveillance through the installation of real-time monitoring screens at the border crossing and the optimisation of scanners. The statement also emphasises that the Congolese State, as the sole holder of the monopoly on public authority, will impose severe and exemplary sanctions against all offenders, without distinction. An assessment will be carried out every three months to measure progress made, rectify any shortcomings identified and ensure the smooth flow and security of international trade. Located on the border between DRC and Zambia, Kasumbalesa is a strategic border post and an economic lung for the country, facilitating the transit of strategic minerals and manufactured goods between the two countries.