By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
The 14th Session of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)–Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, has resolved that the DRC Government will provide adequate security to international truck drivers to prevent attacks while ferrying goods.
The DRC Government has been urged to ensure that security is enhanced in all areas where attacks on international truck drivers have been reported, in order to promote international trade.
This is contained in a Communique issued at the close of the 14th Session of the DRC–Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, held in Lubumbashi from 12 to 16 January 2026.
During the meeting, it was further resolved that the issue of insecurity affecting truck drivers would be addressed as a matter of urgency.
“Regarding the facilitation of commerce and trade, the Commission took note of security challenges that international truckers faced as they transit through the DRC while transporting goods in view of recent attacks,” read the Communique in part.
The two countries also emphasized the need to ensure that international trade is not affected by attacks on truck drivers.
“Therefore, the Commission agreed that the DRC Government should enhance security measures along high-risk trucking routes in order to guarantee the safety of foreign truck drivers, in line with international norms and regional protocols on the safety of cross-border transport workers.”
Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo has wished Zambia continued peace ahead of the General Elections to be held in August this year.
On the ongoing insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and the DRC have rallied behind international efforts aimed at ending the fighting.
“In reviewing recent developments in the Southern Africa region, the Commission noted, with concern, the continued insecurity in the eastern DRC.”
“The Commission reaffirmed its support for both regional and international interventions aimed at not only resolving the insecurity in the eastern DRC, but addressing the resultant humanitarian crisis.”
The Communique was signed by Zambia’s Minister of Defence, Ambrose Lufuma, and the DRC Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Security, Decentralization and Traditional Affairs, Lukoo Bihango Jacquemain Shabani.
