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Tanzanian transporters and logistics professionals are eagerly awaiting the upcoming summit aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
They are hoping that the summit will lead to a peaceful resolution, allowing trade and transport to resume smoothly in the region.
The situation in the DRC has been devastating, with violence taking a heavy toll on the local population and also disrupting regional trade. For Tanzania, the conflict has had a serious impact on its economy, particularly in the vital transport and trade sectors. In the 2023/24 financial year, the Dar es Salaam port handled 9.187 million tonnes of goods, with 45.5% of that volume being linked to the DRC. The country’s reliance on trade with the DRC means that any disruption in this partnership has ripple effects across Tanzania’s economy.
The Tanzania Medium and Small Truck Owners Association (Tamstoa) and other key stakeholders in the cargo sector are hoping that the joint summit, scheduled for this Friday and Saturday, will provide much-needed solutions. The summit, organized by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC), is expected to bring together regional leaders to discuss the ongoing crisis and work towards finding a way to restore stability to the DRC.
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Mr. Chuki Shaban, the chairman of Tamstoa, expressed optimism about the upcoming meeting. “The DRC is a crucial trading partner for us, and we transport a significant amount of goods there. We believe that this summit will help bring an end to the conflict and restore peace in the region,” he said.
The challenges faced by Tanzanian transporters due to the conflict are not insignificant. More than 40 Tanzanian trucks are currently stuck in the DRC, with some reportedly being damaged by local residents in Goma. These disruptions are not only causing financial losses but also creating uncertainty for businesses that rely on the smooth flow of goods between Tanzania and the DRC.
In a sign of Tanzania’s commitment to regional peace, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has agreed to host the summit, which will also include key leaders such as SADC President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, EAC President William Ruto of Kenya, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The event will start with a ministerial meeting on Friday, followed by the heads of state gathering on Saturday.
