DRC violence on SADC truck drivers worries Kaiko Wamunyima

Kaiko Wamunyima, the Media Director of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Truck Drivers Association, minced no words as he addressed the media today, condemning the escalating violence against truck drivers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Wamunyima pulled back the curtain on the harrowing situation unfolding, particularly in Tenke Fungurume, where truck drivers have become targets of violent attacks. “Our drivers are not soldiers; they are the backbone of regional economic development,” he emphasized, highlighting the association’s staunch stance against such assaults.

The media director pointed fingers at illegal mining operations, exacerbating the already dire situation for drivers. He underscored the association’s active engagement with counterparts in the DRC, expressing deep concern over the injuries sustained by drivers and the theft and damage inflicted on their trucks.

“We will not stand idly by,” declared Wamunyima, urging all parties involved to seek peaceful and lawful means to address grievances. He firmly denounced any protests or strikes that jeopardize the safety and livelihoods of innocent individuals, cautioning against turning Zambia into a stage for unrest.

In response to recent developments involving advocacy efforts by WhatsApp group administrators, Wamunyima reiterated the association’s support for drivers’ rights but emphasized the need for strikes to be a last resort.

The media director shed light on the daunting challenges faced in repatriating the bodies of drivers who tragically lost their lives in the DRC, highlighting exorbitant costs and bureaucratic hurdles. He called upon the government and funeral parlors to address these issues promptly.

In closing, Wamunyima reaffirmed the association’s unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of its members, urging all actions to be conducted within the bounds of the law and with dignity for all involved.

Kaiko Wamunyima