Road freight operators working on the Copperbelt route in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are advised to avoid driving between Likasi and Lubumbashi because of unrest in the area.
Tension between rival gangs has been compounded by a driver strike, spilling over into open violence and affecting logistics at the Kanyaka Truck Park in southern Lubumbashi.
On August 12, Transit Assistance Bureau (Transist Bureau) reported that at least 20 trucks were stoned at Kanyaka. Windshields and side windows were broken by protestors.
Hauliers are advised to direct their drivers not to leave Kanyaka but to seek safe and secure parking if they’re in the area.
“It’s total chaos at the moment,” said Mike Fitzmaurice, Chief Executive of Transist Bureau.
“It’s not safe at all and transporters should proceed with the utmost caution. Between Lubumbashi and Likasi, logistics has ground to a halt.”
While the situation continues, transporters are charged US$25 for every day they’re not leaving Kanyaka.
Some transporters working in the DRC have begun calling it “penalty money” as it’s not the first time customs authorities in Haut-Katanga Province have financially exploited the situation transporters often find themselves in.
Although Fitzmaurice had not received much detail at the time this post was being created, he mentioned that drivers for a DRC haulier called Hakuna Matata had gone on strike.
Unrest in the area follows reports on August 11 that a four-truck convoy had to avoid potential theft of cargo in transit (CIT) at Tumbwe, about 30 km north of Lubumbashi.
This CIT interference by syndicated criminals follows recent hijackings of south-bound flatbed trucks carrying copper.
The theft of valuable cargo from copper mines between Likasi and Kolwezi, stolen trucks “retrieved” by police, and returned for about US$50 000 per rig, and now the unrest at Kanyaka all make for dangerous logistics in the DRC.
“It’s a no-go zone at the moment,” said Fitzmaurice.
Although only a short link of the way is affected, criminal activity between Likasi and Lubumbashi, and the outbreak of public violence with trucks stoned, means Haut-Katanga’s copper industry is yet again on the back foot.
Responsible for as much as 70% of global cobalt consumption, recent events will no doubt have an impact on the price of related commodities: electronic vehicle batteries and smart technology.
