Chirundu – The usual bustling Chirundu One Stop Border Post, an important artery connecting Zimbabwe with Zambia, has now become a scene that boils down this week, as citizens from both sides of the Zambezi are engaged in something violent and rebellious. The border was stopped as Zimbabweans and Zambians expressed their dissatisfaction with what they perceived as unfair treatment by immigration authorities, usually the gateway for trade, travel and family ties.
The conflict is concentrated on allegations of discrimination and double standards that have been levelled against immigration officials at both entry and exit points in Zimbabwe and Zambia. For years, the Chirundu border has served as an important connection between the two countries, promoting the movement of goods and people, and a sense of interconnectedness between border communities. It is one of the few one-stop border posts in Africa, streamlining procedures and promoting regional integration.
The symbiotic relationships between border communities are particularly noteworthy. Zimbabweans residing in Chirundu often rely on the more developed Zambian side for access to key services such as shops, hospitals and other facilities, as Zimbabwean settlements have been rarely developed for their designation as a wildlife sanctuary. Conversely, Zambians frequently travel to Zimbabwe, accessing vegetable and other food markets, and engage in trade in second-hand clothing and other goods.
But this delicate balance became an open protest when it was confused on Monday and simmered frustration. Citizens of both sides effectively blocked their borders, prevented entry into their respective countries, and brought commercial activities to a halt.
The root of the dissatisfaction of Zimbabwean protesters lies in what they perceive as intentional targeting by Zambian immigration authorities, who allegedly fined immigrants up to USD 800. These fines are in stark contrast to the perceived generosity given to Zambians who are often crippled by ordinary citizens and commit similar crimes in Zimbabwe.
“We are tired of being treated unfairly,” said Tibs Runyowa, chairman of the Chirundu Residents Association, who has encapsulated the emotions of many Zimbabwean protesters. “As Zimbabweans confronted injustice, the rift reached a boiling point.”
Runyowa further elaborated on the alleged Zimbabwean targeting, claiming that Zambian authorities were actively pursuing Zimbabweans across the border to buy groceries. “We had four colleagues in the cell where we were asked to pay 24,000 kwacha as a fine,” he revealed, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. However, he later confirmed that the arrested Zimbabwean had been released without charge, suggesting the possibility of elimination of the situation.
On the Zambian side, the vendors have launched their own opposition protests, claiming that it unfairly prevented Zimbabwean immigration officials and local residents from doing business.
“We just want to make a living, but we are turned away at the border for no good reason,” lamented Zambian vendors, repeating the frustration of our fellow countrymen.
Border standoffs have relied on cross-border trade and created an environment of uncertainty and uncertainty for those traveling for a living. Agnes Moyo, a Zimbabwean trader who crossed the border to sell goods every week, expressed his fear, saying, “Now I'm scared. I don't know if I'll be fined, arrested, or turn my back. All I can do is feed my children.”
Ruth Tembo, a Zambian vendor who sells vegetables near the border, spoke tearfully about his experience being turned away by Zimbabwean authorities. “They drive us away like we don't matter,” she said. “But this is my living. If I don't sell, my kids won't eat.”
The situation remains tense, with both sides waiting with concern for the outcome of discussions on the door of closure between immigration authorities from Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“We need dialogue to resolve these issues,” urged Runyowa. “Speed resolution is needed to restore normalcy and ensure fair treatment of all citizens across the border,” he emphasized that the conflict was not about hostility between the two countries, but rather about the light-form of ordinary citizens caught up in the middle. “This is not about combat,” he said. “It's about ordinary people getting caught up in the middle. We need a solution that respects human dignity and economic survival.”
Police national spokesman Paul Nyati confirmed the conflict but downplayed the importance of it. “It wasn't serious, but it was a conflict between vendors in both countries, but no violence was recorded by the police,” he said. “The issue was then resolved diplomatically by stakeholders in both countries.”
However, despite the assurances of Commissioner Nyati, the underlying issues of unfair treatment and suspicions of discrimination remain unresolved. The lack of official comments from Zambian authorities further exacerbates the uncertainty surrounding the situation. Zambian Police Service spokesman Ray Hamunga introduced the inquiry to the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, but repeated attempts to contact the Ministry were not answered.
Once a symbol of regional integration and cross-border cooperation, the Chirundu Border Post has become a microcosm of the challenges and complexity inherent in international border management. The current standoffs serve as a clear reminder of the need for transparency, accountability and mutual respect in immigration law enforcement.
Politically, the crisis tests diplomatic relations between the two countries in both the South African Development Community (SADC) advocating regional integration and freedom movements and members of the Southern Eastern Africa and the South African Common Market (COMESA). While immigration authorities in Zimbabwe and Zambian have not yet issued a formal statement, social media has amplified public frustration, with some users overlooking Chinese companies' control in their economy, laughing at Zambian protesters for “crying about other Africans.”
Follow @myzimbabwenews
