Government has raised concern over continued attacks, harassment and intimidation of Zambian truck drivers operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), stating that the safety of its citizens remains a national priority.
Minister of Defence Ambrose Lufuma said Government is aware of the growing security challenges faced by Zambian truck drivers along major transport corridors in the DRC and has engaged Congolese authorities through diplomatic and security channels to address the situation.
Mr Lufuma said Government has reiterated that no Zambian citizen should operate in a hostile environment without full state protection, adding that efforts are underway to ensure truck drivers are not subjected to violent attacks while contributing to regional trade and integration.
The Minister said Government is mourning the death of Zambian truck driver Joseph Chivanga, who was found dead in the DRC in December 2025, and expressed solidarity with the family, relatives and colleagues of the deceased.
Mr Lufuma said the attacks are linked to wider security and enforcement gaps along key trucking routes in the DRC, which has prompted Zambia to initiate high-level bilateral security consultations with Congolese authorities aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation and intelligence sharing.
He said Zambia has formally demanded that DRC authorities implement measures to prevent criminality, harassment and violent attacks against foreign truck drivers, in line with international and regional transport safety protocols.
Mr Lufuma disclosed that Zambia will also raise the matter within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) framework to pursue a regional approach to the protection of truck drivers operating across borders.
He said Government is further coordinating with relevant agencies to strengthen border operations, including emergency response mechanisms and rapid escalation channels for driver complaints.
The Minister added that a Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security between Zambia and the DRC is currently underway in Lubumbashi, where the harassment of Zambian and other foreign truck drivers is among the key issues under discussion.
