Kenyan truck drivers are reportedly among six drivers who were captured by suspected rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) before later being found safe, prompting a security alert from the Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association of Kenya (LoDCA).
In an alert issued on Wednesday, October 14, the association warned of escalating insecurity along the Mahagi-Kisangani transport corridor, urging drivers to exercise caution and avoid potentially dangerous routes until their safety can be confirmed.
The affected corridor passes through Pimbo, Djugu, Igabriel and Bunia, areas where LoDCA says security concerns have intensified amid persistent violence involving armed groups.
“Serious security concerns have been reported along the route from Mahagi to Kisangani, passing through Pimbo, Djugu, Igabriel and Bunia,” the association stated.
LoDCA said reports indicated that six drivers, including Kenyans, had been captured by rebels but were subsequently found safe.
“Reports indicate that six drivers, including Kenyans, had been captured by rebels but have since been found safe and sound,” the association added.
However, details surrounding the reported incident, including the identities of the drivers and the circumstances of their release, were not provided in the alert.
LoDCA warns of worsening insecurity along DRC route
The association also raised concerns over reports of dozens of people being killed on Wednesday, warning that the deteriorating security situation could pose further risks to truck drivers operating along the transport corridor.
Images obtained by Kenyans.co.ke reportedly showed damaged trucks, with broken windows, deflated tyres and removed number plates. Debris believed to be cargo was also scattered on the ground, although the circumstances surrounding the damage were not independently established in the supplied report.
The latest warning highlights the security challenges facing Kenyan transport operators moving goods through parts of eastern and southern DRC, where attacks, unrest and disruptions to transport routes have previously affected commercial traffic.
Previous attacks raise fears among Kenyan truckers
The alert comes amid a series of reported attacks involving Kenyan truck drivers and cargo vehicles operating in the DRC.
In January, unrest along the Kasumbalesa, Lubumbashi and Kolwezi corridor in southern DRC reportedly saw cargo trucks torched and transport routes blocked during violent demonstrations.
In April, Kenyan driver Edwin Njuguna was reportedly killed in Bunia, prompting LoDCA to warn that repeated attacks could force transport operators to suspend operations.
Another reported detention in Beni also raised concerns about the safety and accountability of those responsible for incidents involving commercial drivers.
In August, four Kenyan drivers and their co-drivers were reportedly killed by suspected rebels along the Beni-Kisangani route. The incident prompted truckers to park their trailers in Mambasa, Ituri Province, amid concerns over their safety.
The repeated incidents have intensified calls for improved security along key transport corridors used by Kenyan drivers moving goods through the central African country.
Drivers advised to avoid affected routes
Following the latest reports, LoDCA advised drivers waiting in Mahagi not to proceed until security conditions along the route had been assessed and confirmed safe.
Drivers already operating inside the DRC were urged to inform relatives, colleagues and association officials of their whereabouts.
The association also advised truckers to remain in secure locations, stay alert and avoid affected routes until reliable security sources confirm that travelling is safe.
The measures are intended to reduce the risk of further incidents as uncertainty persists over the security situation along the Mahagi-Kisangani corridor.
As of the time of publication, the report said Kenyan security agencies had not issued a statement on the latest incident.
The circumstances surrounding the reported capture of the six drivers, the alleged killings and the damage to trucks remain subject to further confirmation.
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