A Kenyan truck driver has reportedly been killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), prompting an urgent security warning to transporters using the troubled route.
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDCA) identified the deceased as Mohamed Talib in a statement issued on October 15, warning drivers to exercise caution when using the route.
“LoDCA has received distressing reports of renewed violence along this route, including the reported killing of Kenyan driver Mohamed Talib and other fatalities involving transport workers and civilians. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and the wider transport fraternity affected by these tragic incidents,” LoDCA stated.
The association reported renewed violence along the Mahagi-Pimbo-Dugu-Bunia-Kisangani route, a key transport corridor mostly used by Kenyan drivers, infamous for abductions and loss of life associated with long-distance truck drivers.
Shipping trucks along the Nimule Juba Highway in South Sudan
Daily Nation
The association expressed concern over the deteriorating and ever-growing security situation, warning that drivers and their crews faced growing risks.
LoDCA also flagged poor road conditions in some sections of the corridor, compounding security threats for drivers, conductors, cargo transporters and other road users.
The incident comes barely a day after six Kenyans were among the 12 captured by rebels as they were transporting their cargo through Pimbo, Djugu, Igabriel and Bunian in DRC, areas where security concerns have reportedly intensified due to years of rebel groups' control.
Their trucks were ambushed, windows broken, tires deflated, and number plates removed. Remains of what seems to be the truck cargo are also seen spread on the ground.
The association has since urged drivers, transport companies, logistics operators and cargo owners to suspend all non-essential journeys along the route until authorities verify that it is safe.
“In the interest of safeguarding lives and protecting transport personnel, LoDCA strongly advises all drivers, transport companies, logistics operators, and cargo owners to Suspend all non-essential travel along the Mahagi-Pimbo-Dugu-Bunia-Kisangani corridor until the security situation is verified to be safe,” LoDCA urged.
It further advised companies against dispatching trucks and personnel into affected areas without reliable security clearance and updated risk assessments.
Drivers already operating along the corridor were urged to find safe locations, maintain contact with fleet managers and follow guidance from recognised security agencies and local authorities.
LoDCA called on the Kenyan and Congolese governments, security agencies, transport regulators, logistics companies, cargo owners and regional trade bodies to strengthen cross-border security coordination and information sharing.
Images of the aftermarth of attack on Kenyan drivers in DRC.
Photo
LoDCA