As conflict intensifies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenyan truck drivers have found themselves caught in the crossfire. Rebel militia M23 has taken control of the mineral-rich North Kivu region, where Goma, a strategic city, has become the epicenter of the violence. The situation, which has already claimed over 700 lives since the war broke out last month, has put the lives of Kenyan drivers at grave risk.
Currently, three Kenyan truck drivers are stranded in Goma, part of a group of 20 drivers who were in the DRC when the fighting began. Sixteen of these drivers were evacuated to Rwanda by UN security forces, but the others remain trapped in the dangerous situation. Salim Mwatela, Chairperson of the Kenya Truck Drivers’ lobby, has strongly advised transport companies to suspend all trips to DRC due to the deteriorating security. “Sending a driver to DRC now is like signing his death sentence,” Mwatela stated, emphasizing the hostile environment and the increasing danger posed to foreign nationals, especially drivers.
Peter Tanui, one of the drivers fortunate enough to be evacuated just before the conflict escalated, echoed Mwatela’s concerns. He described the terrifying scenes unfolding in Goma, with gunfire, mortar explosions, and widespread destruction. “The M23 rebels are ruthless; nothing is left untouched,” Tanui said. He also reported that many of their colleagues in Goma have witnessed atrocities, including looting and rapes, all while the rebels desperately seek food and money to sustain their operations.
The escalating violence has had devastating humanitarian impacts. The UN Refugee Agency reports that over 400,000 people have fled their homes in North and South Kivu in the last month, with tens of thousands more forced to seek refuge in neighboring areas. The situation has raised concerns not just for the local population but for foreign nationals working in the region, with the cost of essential goods skyrocketing as the conflict drags on.
This crisis has also drawn attention from President William Ruto, who convened an extraordinary regional summit last week to address the ongoing violence. The summit brought together regional leaders to discuss potential solutions to the worsening situation, which has been a source of instability for over 30 years. President Ruto stressed that dialogue and consultation remain the only viable path to peace in the region.
The conflict in DRC has significant implications for Kenya’s economy. As a key export market for Kenyan goods, including coated iron, tobacco, and sugar, the continued instability in DRC could hamper trade. This is especially concerning as the DRC’s recent membership in the East African Community (EAC) was expected to open new trade opportunities for Kenyan businesses, particularly in sectors like finance.
