A Kenyan truck driver has been reportedly killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This has prompted an urgent security warning to transporters using the troubled route.
In a statement, the Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) identified the deceased as Mohamed Talib, warning drivers to exercise caution when using the route.
“LoDDCA 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,” the association stated.
LoDDCA 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
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,” the statement added.
LoDDCA has further advised companies against dispatching trucks and personnel into affected areas without reliable security clearance and updated risk assessments.
