Cross-Border Truckers Warned as Hijackings and Abductions Escalate in the DRC

Cross-border transporters operating into the Democratic Republic of Congo have been placed on high alert following disturbing reports of violent attacks, hijackings and the alleged abduction of foreign truck drivers, with Zambian nationals reportedly among the main targets.

According to information received by industry stakeholders, several truck drivers from Zambia were allegedly hijacked while operating in the DRC, with at least four drivers reported missing after failing to return from recent trips. Families are said to be anxiously waiting for news, amid fears that the situation on the ground has spiralled out of control.

The United Truck Drivers and Allied Workers Union of Zambia has since announced that Zambian operators will no longer travel into the DRC, citing what it described as “unacceptable and barbaric” attacks on truck drivers. The union has thrown its full support behind the International Transport Workers’ Federation, calling for immediate international intervention and protection for drivers.

“Our drivers are being killed while the world watches,” a union spokesperson said, adding that the violence has become a daily reality for truckers from across the SADC region. In several cases, bodies of slain drivers have allegedly never been recovered, denying families the chance to bury their loved ones with dignity.

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The security situation has further deteriorated along the Kolwezi to Lubumbashi route, where riots linked to illegal mining activities have led to a full suspension of vehicle movements. Gunshots, arrests and overnight lockdowns have been reported, prompting security teams to order all trucks to remain parked in approved safe zones until further notice.

Read | Truck Driving In DRC For Foreign Drivers, Dos And Don’ts

Transport unions have urged political leaders, including President Hakainde Hichilema, to urgently engage their Congolese counterparts to guarantee the safety of drivers. While trade is critical to regional economies, unions stress that it should never come at the cost of human life.

SA Trucker strongly urges all cross-border operators to reassess routes into the DRC, maintain constant communication with control rooms, and prioritise driver safety above delivery deadlines.