C O N F I D E N T I A L LUSAKA 000492

NOFORN
SIPDIS

STATE FOR PRM/AFR - M. LANGE
STATE ALSO FOR AF/S

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/06/2013
TAGS: PREF PREL ZI ZA
SUBJECT: ZAMBIA: CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR ZIMBABWEAN REFUGEES

REF: STATE 43901

Classified By: Ambassador Carmen Martinez for Reason(s) 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (SBU) Zambian Minister of Home Affairs Shikapwasha and
the UNHCR Representative in Zambia told DCM on May 5 that
contingency plans and preparations were well underway to
receive up to 25 thousand Zimbabwean refugees in southern
Zambia. The GRZ has identified a site in Siavonga (on Lake
Kariba, which forms the Zambian/Zimbabwe border) with potable
water and electricity access. Home Affairs Ministry
Commissioner for Refugees Jacob Mphepo and UNHCR
Representative James Lynch said that tents, medical supplies
and food were warehoused near the site. The camp could be up
and running "within 24 hours," according to Lynch.


2. (SBU) Mphepo and Lynch noted that as of early May only
three Zimbabweans had requested asylum in Zambia. Zimbabwean
day traders, truckers, and other informal travelers continue
to cross the Zambia/Zimbabwe border daily without incident
(see para 3). Shikapwasha, Mphepo and other Zambian
officials say a large Zimbabwean population -- comprised
mainly of large extended families -- has already emigrated
and settled "legally" in Zambia. These Zimbabwean passport
holders -- largely farmers -- have valid residency and work
permits.


3. (C/NF) Member USDAO Lusaka traveled to the Chirundu and
Siavonga/Kariba border crossing points during 2-4 May 2008.
Conversations with Zambian government officials at the
Chirundu border post revealed that there has been no increase
in the number of Zimbabwean citizens crossing the border into
Zambia. Despite the situation in their country, Zimbabweans
still continue to come into Zambia to buy and sell goods, but
return to Zimababwe at the close of the day. Zambians and
Zimbabweans are allowed to transit the border on day passes,
vice passports. At the Siavonga/Kariba crossing, member
again confirmed with Zambian government officials that there
has been no observed increase in the number of personnel
crossing from Zimbabwe to Zambia.

MARTINEZ