By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Government has expressed deep concern over escalating security threats faced by Zambian truck drivers operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), assuring the nation that the matter is receiving urgent diplomatic and security attention.
In a communiqué issued by Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma, Government acknowledged reports of harassment, intimidation and violent attacks against Zambian drivers along key transport corridors in the DRC.
Mr. Lufuma emphasized that authorities have not ignored the plight of truck drivers and reaffirmed that protecting the safety, dignity and welfare of Zambian citizens remains a national priority.
Government also conveyed its condolences to the family, relatives and colleagues of Mr. Joseph Martin Chivanga, a Zambian truck driver who was found deceased in the DRC in December 2025.
“Mr. Chivanga’s passing is mourned by the nation, and Government stands in solidarity with his loved ones during this difficult time,” he said.
According to the communiqué, Zambia has undertaken multi-level engagements with the DRC Government to address the security challenges. These include high-level bilateral consultations aimed at strengthening cross-border security cooperation and intelligence sharing along high-risk trucking routes, as well as formal requests to the DRC to implement stronger measures to curb criminality and harassment against foreign truck drivers.
“Government has formally requested the Government of the DRC to implement robust measures to curb criminality, harassment, and violent attacks against foreign truck drivers, in accordance with international norms and regional protocols governing the safety of cross-border transport workers,” Mr. Lufuma said.
Government has also indicated that it will urgently raise the issue within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) framework to seek collective and sustainable regional solutions for the protection of truck drivers operating across member states.
Additionally, Zambia is enhancing border operations and coordinating with relevant agencies to improve emergency response mechanisms and establish rapid reporting channels for drivers facing threats or harassment.
The Minister acknowledged frustrations within the trucking and transport sectors over recent incidents and the perceived slow pace of response, but assured stakeholders that Government remains committed to proactive action and sustained engagement to protect lives and livelihoods.
“Government wishes to inform the public that a Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security (JPCDS) between Zambia and the DRC is currently underway in Lubumbashi. The recurring issue of harassment of Zambian and other foreign truck drivers, alongside other security matters, is receiving urgent attention and will be addressed as a matter of priority,” Mr. Lufuma stated.
The Defence Minister stressed the importance of maintaining cordial relations between Zambia and the DRC, noting the strong social and economic ties between the two neighbouring countries.
