A Kenyan truck driver is among 12 drivers reportedly killed in attacks along a major transport route in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), prompting a strike that has halted truck movement along the affected corridor.
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) confirmed on Tuesday, October 20, that drivers had stopped operations along the Mahagi-Kisangani route over growing security concerns.
The association said the strike had officially begun, with truckers demanding urgent action to protect transport workers operating in the region.
“The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) confirms that the drivers’ strike over insecurity along the Mahagi-Kisangani route in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially commenced today, 20 October 2026,” the association stated.
LoDDCA said there was currently no movement of trucks along the affected route as drivers pushed for measures to address the security threats.
The reported killings include a Kenyan national identified as Mohamed Tahili, whose death has heightened concerns among long-distance truck drivers transporting cargo through the DRC.
Transporters told to suspend cargo deliveries
Following the strike, LoDDCA urged transport companies and other players in the cargo industry to suspend the loading and dispatch of goods destined for the DRC through the affected corridor.
The advisory targets transporters, clearing and forwarding agents, logistics companies, cargo owners and shippers.
“In light of the strike and the prevailing security concerns, LoDDCA urgently calls upon all transporters, clearing and forwarding agents, logistics companies, cargo owners and shippers to immediately suspend the loading and dispatch of cargo destined for the DRC through the affected corridor,” the association said.
It warned that continuing to dispatch trucks while drivers were on strike could leave cargo stranded and expose workers to pressure to travel through unsafe areas.
The association said the suspension was necessary as efforts to address the security concerns continued.
Drivers demand urgent security measures
The LoDDCA has demanded immediate negotiations between truck drivers, their unions, the DRC government, security agencies, transport agencies and trade associations in the region.
The organization has urged the concerned authority to improve coordination of security matters at the borders and provide timely information regarding danger along the transportation routes.
It has also demanded investigations on the attacks and improved protection of the transport sector personnel working in the DRC.
The attacks have posed new security worries for Kenyan drivers and other transport sector personnel using the cross-border routes in order to transport goods within the region.
Kenya increases its diplomatic efforts
These security worries have come amid attacks and intimidation of long distance truck drivers in the DRC.
The DRC government has received criticisms over its reaction to the reported attacks due to slow measures to counter the insecurity.
On the other hand, Kenya has stated that it has increased its diplomatic measures in order to protect its drivers and traders operating in the neighbouring country.
East African Community Affairs Principal Secretary Caroline Karugu has maintained that the government has stepped up diplomatic efforts and held bilateral talks on the matter.
LoDDCA is now calling for concrete security measures before truck movements resume along the affected route.