SubSaharan Africa 449
Participants: 490 Democratic Republic of the Congo/551 Zambia
Outcome (and Settlement): Compromise (Negotiated)
Fatalities: 1–25 deaths
Narrative: Zaire claimed Zambian territory in the Kaputa district of Northern
province and in Luapula province. The dispute began with an exchange of gunfire
and the seizure of seven Zambian soldiers, two buses, and a truck with food, trig-
gering thousands to flee Mufulira, all on February 28, 1982. Two days later Zaire
closed the border around Sakania. In April a joint commission agreed to exchange
prisoners. However, Zaire continued to abduct Zambians, and in June Zambian
radio reported that Zaire had established posts 12 and 18 miles inside Zambian
territory.
On August 30, 1982, Presidents Mobutu and Kaunda issued a joint communi-
que “which pledged the two countries to continue negotiations to find a permanent
solution to their border problems and to do everything possible to develop bilateral
relations.” Six days later, though, Zambian radio alleged Zaire had kidnapped three
Zambians and two tourists near Kaputa. Zairean troops had also established a post at
Mwabu Kampaba, Luapula province, 10 miles inside the Zambian border, and raised
the Zairean flag. Officials met at Lubumbashi to discuss the situation but did not
reach a resolution; in addition, Zambia appealed to the Organization of African Unity
for help to resolve the dispute. On September 16, the Zambia-Zaire joint committee
held an emergency meeting at Kasumbalesa, and Zaire agreed to dismantle its post
at Mwabu Kampaba. At the end of September both sides expressed commitment to a
peaceful resolution of their border dispute.
Coding changes: End Date changed from September 16, 1982.
MID#3060
Dispute Number: 3060
Date(s): June 1984 to June 12, 1984
Participants: 551 Zambia/490 Democratic Republic of the Congo
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: On September 21,1983, Zairean bandits ambushed and attacked near
the border town of Mufulira. Two Zambian workers were killed and two more were
injured. Following this incident, Zambian troops were deployed along the border with
Zaire. This movement of troops was announced by Zambia’s President Kaunda on
September 26 at a provincial conference. The troops were said to be stationed there
until the situation was under control. Talks were held on the border disputes on Janu-
ary 16, 1984, and both sides decided to talk about the issue more often. Six months
later, in early June and then on June 12, 1984, brief clashes were reported along the
border between soldiers from both states. No additional incidents followed for some
time.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from Missing. End day changed from Miss-
ing. Fatalities changed from Missing.