Some stakeholders in the informal sector of the economy have criticised the governments of Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for what they described as inaction over deteriorating security conditions facing Zambian truck drivers operating in the DRC. Aston Sakala, a player in the informal sector, said recent attacks that had resulted in the deaths of Zambian truck drivers required urgent intervention by the two governments and the international community. “We are deeply saddened and outraged by the recent brutal attacks on our truck drivers in the DRC.
These hardworking individuals, who are members of our consortium, have been subjected to violence, beaten, and even murdered by unscrupulous individuals,” Sakala said on Sunday. “These heinous acts are a gross violation of human rights and a serious concern for us as a consortium.” Sakala said stakeholders were particularly distressed by the apparent lack of attention and response from the Zambian government. “We urge President Hakainde Hichilema to seek an urgent audience with his DRC counterpart Félix Tshisekedi to address this critical issue and ensure the safety of our citizens in the DRC,” he said.
In response to the incidents, Sakala called for the establishment and maximum utilisation of dry ports in Zambia to reduce the number of Zambian drivers entering the DRC. He said DRC-based drivers should instead collect goods and merchandise from these dry ports, thereby minimising the risks faced by Zambian truckers. “We cannot stand idly by while our brothers are brutally murdered in broad daylight. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
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