LoDDCA has confirmed a drivers' strike along DRC's Mahagi-Kisangani route after 12 drivers, including Kenyan Mohamed Tahili, were reportedly killed, and urged shippers to suspend cargo dispatches.
Kenyan truck drivers operating on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) route have been advised to stop operations following the reported killing of 12 drivers, including a Kenyan national.
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) issued the advisory on October 20, as seen by Don Sami Live, confirming that a strike over insecurity had officially begun. The strike has paralysed truck movement along the Mahagi-Kisangani route, with drivers demanding urgent action against growing security threats.
"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. There is currently no movement of trucks along the affected route, as drivers take a stand against growing security threats and demand urgent action to protect transport workers operating in the DRC," LoDDCA stated.
The lobby said the action followed reports of the killing of 12 drivers, including a Kenyan identified as Mohamed Tahili. His death has heightened concerns among truck drivers.
LoDDCA called on transporters, clearing and forwarding agents, logistics companies, cargo owners and shippers to immediately suspend loading and dispatching cargo bound for Congo.
"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," it said.
The association warned that continuing to load trucks while drivers are on strike could leave cargo stranded and expose workers to pressure to enter unsafe areas.
LoDDCA demanded urgent engagement between drivers, their representatives, the DRC government, security agencies, transport regulators and regional trade bodies to address the security concerns. It also wants authorities to strengthen cross-border security coordination and improve the timely sharing of information so drivers can assess risks before travelling through affected areas.
The association further called for investigations into the reported killings and stronger protection for transport workers in the DRC, where insecurity continues to disrupt cargo movement.
The DRC government has largely remained silent or been slow to formally address the mounting security crisis and the targeted attacks on long-distance truck drivers, although bilateral security talks have taken place with neighbouring countries such as Zambia.
The Kenyan government, through East African Community (EAC) Affairs Principal Secretary Caroline Karugu, maintains that Kenya has stepped up diplomatic efforts and held bilateral talks to protect truck drivers and traders.
Why It Matters
The DRC is a key market for Kenyan transporters and exporters. A prolonged halt on the Mahagi-Kisangani route could delay cargo, strand trucks and raise costs for businesses along the supply chain, but for the drivers on the road, the immediate issue is their safety.