A Kenyan truck driver is among 12 transport workers reportedly killed amid growing insecurity along a major cargo route in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), prompting long-distance drivers to suspend operations.
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LODDCA) said the strike along the Mahagi–Kisangani route began on Tuesday, October 20, with truck movement halted as drivers demand urgent action to improve their safety.
The association identified the Kenyan driver as Mohamed Tahlil, saying the reported killings had heightened concerns among transport workers operating in the conflict-affected country.
LODDCA has urged transporters, clearing and forwarding agents, logistics companies, cargo owners and shippers to suspend loading and dispatching goods destined for the DRC through the affected corridor until credible safety assurances are provided.
The association said continuing to send trucks into the area while drivers have suspended movement could leave cargo stranded and expose transport workers to pressure to travel through unsafe locations.
The strike follows reports of attacks and killings affecting truck drivers along routes in eastern DRC, including the Mahagi–Pimbo–Djugu–Bunia–Kisangani corridor.
Earlier in October, the association warned drivers and transport companies against non-essential journeys along the route following reports of renewed violence and the killing of a Kenyan driver.
The association has called on the Kenyan and Congolese governments, security agencies and transport regulators to strengthen cross-border security coordination, improve the sharing of security information and investigate the reported killings.
It has also urged industry stakeholders to prioritise the safety of drivers and conductors over delivery schedules and commercial interests.
The disruption could affect cargo movement between Kenya and the DRC, a regional trade partner served by transport routes linked to the Port of Mombasa.
LODDCA said truck movement should resume only after credible measures are put in place to protect transport workers along the affected corridor.
