editor
Tanzanian truck drivers and transporters are facing major losses as the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to disrupt trade and supply chains.
Many truck owners say their vehicles have been stranded for weeks, and most have been looted or stripped of essential parts.
Elias Lukumay, Chairman of the Tanzania Truck Owners Association, described the situation as dire. He confirmed that while drivers managed to return safely, 80% of the trucks left behind had been ransacked.
“We’re relieved that our drivers are out of danger, but unfortunately, most of the trucks that remained in the DRC have lost their cargo. Some have even been stripped of key parts,” Lukumay said in an interview.
He explained that trucks parked in secure yards have largely been spared, but those stranded on the roads have suffered serious damage and theft.
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The worsening security situation has made it impossible for Tanzanian transporters to operate in key towns like Goma and Bukavu. This disruption has not only affected truck owners but has also had a financial impact on both businesses and government revenue.
“For every trip, a single truck can generate about TZS 7 million in revenue. But now, that income is completely lost,” Lukumay noted.
He urged both the Tanzanian and DRC governments to step in and find a solution that would allow the trucks to be safely transported back home. One possible approach, he suggested, could involve diplomatic negotiations to arrange security escorts that would help move the vehicles safely to the Rwandan border.
