DRC Pledges Security for International Truck Drivers

By Cindy Mulomba

The Democratic Republic of Congo –DRC- has agreed to provide adequate security for international truck drivers to prevent attacks while transporting goods and transiting through the country.

The DRC has also been called upon to strengthen security in all areas where attacks on international truck drivers have been reported, in order to ensure smooth and uninterrupted international trade.

Zambia and the DRC have further agreed that attacks on truck drivers must not be allowed to disrupt cross-border trade.

This is contained in a communiqué issued at the close of the 14th Session of the DRC–Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, held in Lubumbashi from January 12 to 16, 2026.

The communiqué states that insecurity affecting truck drivers will be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

The document was signed by Zambia’s Minister of Defence, AMBROSE LUFUMA, and the DRC’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Security, Decentralisation and Traditional Affairs, LUKOO BIHANGO JACQUEMAIN SHABANI.

The Commission acknowledged the security challenges faced by international truck drivers transiting through the DRC following recent attacks.

They further agreed that the DRC Government should enhance security measures along high-risk trucking routes to ensure the safety of foreign truck drivers, in line with international standards and regional protocols governing the protection of cross-border transport workers.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo has wished Zambia continued peace as the country prepares for the General Election scheduled for August this year.

On the ongoing insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and the DRC expressed support for regional and international efforts aimed at ending the fighting.

The Commission indicated its backing for both regional and international initiatives intended not only to address the insecurity in eastern DRC but also to respond to the resulting humanitarian crisis.

This is contained in a statement issued to ZNBC news by Ministry of Defence Principal Public Relations Officer PAUL SHALALA.