Zambia presses DRC to act on attacks against truck drivers

Defence Minister, Ambrose Lufuma, says Zambia has asked the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to strengthen measures aimed at curbing criminality, harassment, and violent attacks against foreign truck drivers, in accordance with international norms and regional protocols.

Lufuma said the Zambian government was also preparing to urgently raise the matter within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) framework to secure collective and sustainable solutions that protect the safety and rights of truck drivers operating across member states.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, Lufuma said the government was coordinating with relevant agencies to reinforce support mechanisms, including emergency response systems and rapid escalation channels for reporting and addressing driver grievances.

“Government further acknowledges the legitimate frustrations and anxieties expressed by stakeholders in the trucking and transport sectors regarding recent incidents and the perceived slow pace of response,” he said.

He added that the government remained committed to proactive action and sustained engagement with all relevant partners to mitigate risks and protect the lives and livelihoods of Zambian truck drivers.

Lufuma said the safety concerns raised by truck drivers operating in the DRC were linked to broader security and enforcement gaps along major trucking corridors into and within that country.

“The Zambian government is not sitting idle but has engaged in multi-level diplomatic initiatives, continuous engagements with all relevant partners to mitigate risks and protect the lives and livelihood of the Truck Drivers,” he said.

He reiterated that no Zambian citizen should operate in a hostile environment without the full protection of the state.

The Minister further assured that government was working tirelessly to ensure that Zambian truck drivers did not fall victim to violent attacks or harassment while contributing to regional trade and integration.

“You may wish to know that as we speak, a Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS) between the two neighbouring countries is underway in Lubumbashi. The recurring issue of harassment of Zambian and other Truck Drivers will, among other security-related issues, top the agenda and shall be addressed with the urgency it deserves,” he said.

Lufuma stressed the importance of Zambia and the DRC maintaining cordial relations, noting that the two countries were not only neighbours but socially and economically intertwined.

The Minister emphasized that ensuring the safety, dignity, and welfare of Zambian truck drivers remained a matter of national priority and active diplomatic engagement.

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