Kenyan drivers are reportedly among six truck drivers who were captured by rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association of Kenya (LoDCA) has revealed.
Following the reports, the association issued a security alert on Wednesday, October 14, as seen by Kenyans.co.ke, warning of escalating insecurity along the Mahagi to Kisangani route in DRC.
The affected corridor passes through Pimbo, Djugu, Igabriel and Bunia, areas where security concerns have reportedly intensified due to years of rebel groups' control.
“Serious security concerns have been reported along the route from Mahagi to Kisangani, passing through Pimbo, Djugu, Igabriel and Bunia,” LoDCA stated.
Images of the aftermarth of attack on Kenyan drivers in DRC.
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LoDCA
However, LoDCA reported that the six drivers had since been found safe and sound, although the circumstances surrounding their reported capture and subsequent recovery remained unclear.
“Reports indicate that six drivers, including Kenyans, had been captured by rebels but have since been found safe and sound,” added LoDCA.
The association also raised concerns over reports that dozens of people had been killed on Wednesday, stressing a heightened crisis facing Kenyan drivers along the transport corridor.
Images obtained by Kenyans.co.ke show a dire state of the trucks, with windows broken, tires deflated, and number plates removed. Remains of what seems to be the truck cargo are also seen spread on the ground, with no one in sight.
This latest alert comes amid repeated attacks on Kenyan truck drivers in the DRC, mostly targeting their cargo.
In January, unrest along the Kasumbalesa, Lubumbashi and Kolwezi corridor in southern DRC saw cargo trucks torched and transport routes blocked during violent demonstrations.
In April, Kenyan driver Edwin Njuguna was killed in Bunia, prompting LoDCA to warn of a possible operational shutdown over repeated attacks, while a separate detention in Beni raised accountability concerns.
In August, four Kenyan drivers and their co-drivers were killed by suspected rebels along the Beni to Kisangani route, prompting truckers to park their trailers in Mambasa, Ituri Province.
LoDCA has since advised drivers waiting in Mahagi not to proceed until security conditions are confirmed safe, while those already inside Congo are urged to inform relatives, colleagues and association leaders of their whereabouts.
The association further urged drivers to remain in secure locations, stay alert and avoid affected routes until reliable security sources confirm that travelling is safe.
As of the time of the publication of this story, Kenyan security agencies have not issued a statement.
A collage showing bullet holes on the truck's head, which led to the death of a Kenyan driver in South Sudan.
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LoDDCA