CHIRUNDU – The usually bustling Chirundu One Stop Border Post, a vital artery connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia, became a scene of simmering discontent this week as citizens from both sides of the Zambezi River engaged in heated counter-protests. The border, typically a gateway for trade, travel, and familial connections, was brought to a standstill as Zimbabweans and Zambians voiced their grievances against what they perceive as unjust treatment by immigration authorities.
The dispute centres on allegations of discrimination and double standards levelled against immigration officials at both the Zimbabwean and Zambian entry and exit points. For years, the Chirundu border has served as a crucial link between the two nations, facilitating the movement of goods and people, and fostering a sense of interconnectedness among border communities. It stands as one of Africa’s few one-stop border posts, streamlining procedures and promoting regional integration.
The symbiotic relationship between the border communities is particularly noteworthy. Zimbabweans residing in Chirundu often rely on the more developed Zambian side for access to essential services such as shops, hospitals, and other facilities, as the Zimbabwean settlement is largely undeveloped due to its designation as a wildlife sanctuary. Conversely, Zambians frequently cross into Zimbabwe to access vegetable and other food markets, and to engage in the trade of second-hand clothing and other goods.
However, this delicate balance was disrupted on Monday when simmering frustrations boiled over into open protest. Citizens from both sides effectively blockaded the border, preventing entry to their respective countries and bringing commercial activities to a grinding halt.
The root of the Zimbabwean protesters’ discontent lies in what they perceive as a deliberate targeting by Zambian immigration authorities, who allegedly impose exorbitant fines of up to US$800 on Zimbabweans for minor immigration infractions. These fines, often crippling for ordinary citizens, stand in stark contrast to the perceived leniency afforded to Zambians committing similar offences in Zimbabwe.
“We are tired of being treated unfairly,” declared Tibs Runyowa, chairperson of the Chirundu Residents Association, encapsulating the sentiment of many Zimbabwean protesters. “The rift has reached boiling point as Zimbabweans stand up against injustices.”
Runyowa further elaborated on the alleged targeting of Zimbabweans, claiming that Zambian authorities were actively tracking Zimbabweans crossing the border to purchase groceries. “We had four colleagues in cells who were being asked to pay as much as 24 000 kwacha as fines,” he revealed, highlighting the severity of the situation. However, he later confirmed that the arrested Zimbabweans had been released without charge, suggesting a possible de-escalation of the situation.
On the Zambian side, vendors launched their own counter-protests, alleging that Zimbabwean immigration officers and local residents’ associations were unjustly preventing them from entering Zimbabwe to conduct their business.
“We just want to earn a living, but we’re being turned away at the border for no valid reason,” lamented one Zambian vendor, echoing the frustrations of her compatriots.
The border stand-off has created a climate of uncertainty and anxiety for those who rely on cross-border trade and travel for their livelihoods. Agnes Moyo, a Zimbabwean trader who crosses the border weekly to sell her goods, expressed her fears, saying, “Now I’m scared. I don’t know if I’ll be fined, arrested, or just turned away. All I want is to feed my children.”
Ruth Tembo, a Zambian vendor who sells vegetables near the border, tearfully recounted her experience of being turned away by Zimbabwean authorities. “They turn us away like we don’t matter,” she said. “But this is my livelihood. If I don’t sell, my children don’t eat.”
The situation remains tense, with both sides anxiously awaiting the outcome of closed-door talks between immigration authorities from Zimbabwe and Zambia.
“We need dialogue to resolve these issues,” urged Runyowa. “A swift resolution is needed to restore normalcy and ensure fair treatment for all nationals crossing the border.” He emphasised that the dispute was not about animosity between the two countries, but rather about the plight of ordinary citizens caught in the middle. “This is not about countries fighting,” he said. “It’s about regular people being caught in the middle. We need solutions that respect human dignity and economic survival.”
Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the clashes, but downplayed their significance. “It was not something serious, but a dispute between vendors from both countries, but no violence was recorded by the police,” he stated. “The matter has since been diplomatically resolved by stakeholders from both countries.”
However, despite Commissioner Nyathi’s assurances, the underlying issues of alleged unfair treatment and discrimination remain unresolved. The lack of official comment from Zambian authorities further compounds the uncertainty surrounding the situation. Zambian Police Service spokesperson Rae Hamoonga referred inquiries to the country’s Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation ministry, but repeated attempts to contact the ministry went unanswered.
The Chirundu Border Post, once a symbol of regional integration and cross-border cooperation, has become a microcosm of the challenges and complexities inherent in managing international borders. The current stand-off serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater transparency, accountability, and mutual respect in the enforcement of immigration laws.
Politically, the crisis tests diplomatic relations between the two nations, both members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which advocate for regional integration and free movement. While Zimbabwean and Zambian immigration authorities have yet to issue formal statements, social media has amplified public frustration, with some users mocking Zambian protesters for “crying about other Africans” while overlooking Chinese corporate dominance in their economy—a nod to anti-Chinese sentiment that has flared in Zambia over resource ownership.
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