A tense climate reigns in Kasumbalesa between customs transporters and a new company called “Mardini Transit Logistics”. Tensions have reached their climax because the customs carriers are strongly opposed to the responsibilities that this company assumes.
Customs carriers complain that Mardini Transit Logistics takes over tasks that normally fall within their purview. These include the management of cargo, the customs declaration of goods, road payments, or even obtaining residence permits for crews.
Faced with this situation, the customs carriers decided to react and requested the intervention of the authorities at all levels to restore their rights. The Association of Representatives of Carriers in Customs of Congo (ARTDC) sent a memo to the provincial Minister of the Interior, asking not to allow the installation of Mardini Transit Logistics which seeks to dismiss them.
A provincial deputy, Belito Passy Moleka, also took up this matter by submitting an information motion to the Provincial Assembly of Haut-Katanga. He calls for the involvement of the assembly to restore the rights of carriers in customs. He also hopes that the carriers will be received by the President of the Provincial Assembly in the coming days.
This delicate situation between customs carriers and Mardini Transit Logistics raises questions about the regulation of the transport sector in Kasumbalesa. It is necessary to find a balance between the different parties in order to guarantee the smooth running of the activities and to preserve the rights of the customs carriers who play an essential role in the development of the region.
It is to be hoped that solutions can be found quickly to ease tensions and allow everyone to exercise their responsibilities while respecting everyone’s skills and rights. Case to follow closely to see how this situation will evolve in the coming days