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Tanzanian transporters call for DRC peace to restore trade flow
What you need to know:
- The DRC is a crucial trading partner for Tanzania, with 45.5 percent of the 9.187 million tonnes of goods handled by the Dar es Salaam port in the 2023/24 financial year destined for the neighbouring country
Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian transporters and logistics stakeholders are hoping for peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to ensure smooth business operations.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC is not only taking a toll on human lives but is also severely impacting Tanzania’s economy, particularly in its vital transport and trade sectors.
In the 2023/24 financial year, the Dar es Salaam port handled 9.187 million tonnes of goods in transit, with the DRC accounting for 45.5 percent of that volume.
The Tanzania Medium and Small Truck Owners Association (Tamstoa), along with other key cargo stakeholders, is optimistic about the upcoming joint summit aimed at addressing the conflict in eastern DRC.
The Road Safety and Environment manager of the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA), Mr Geoffrey Silanda, speaks during the 5th general meeting of the Truck Owners Association (TAMSTOA) in Dar es Salaam. To his right is Chuki Shabban, the chairman of TAMSTOA, and to his left is Inspector Dumu Mwalugenge from Police Headquarters. PHOTO| SAID KHAMIS
This meeting, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, will bring together the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East Africa Community (EAC) to discuss the situation.
Tamstoa’s chairman, Mr Chuki Shaban, expressed hope for peace and stability to facilitate the smooth flow of goods and support regional economic growth.
“DRC is a key trade hub, and we transport a significant amount of our cargo there. We firmly believe that this meeting will help to end the ongoing conflict,” he stated.
Mr Shaban made these remarks during Tamstoa’s annual general meeting, which focused on challenges faced by transporters in the country.
He noted that there are currently more than 40 Tanzanian trucks stuck in the DRC, and some have reportedly been damaged by local citizens in Goma.
“We are optimistic that this gathering will provide a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict, allowing us to retrieve our trucks and dispatch additional ones to continue our business operations. Many transporters have purchased trucks on loan, so resolving this conflict will enable us to repay those loans,” he added.
Mr Elitunu Mallamia, a representative of DP World Tanzania, commended the government and President Samia Suluhu Hassan for their initiative to organize a meeting aimed at finding solutions to the ongoing conflict.
“If no solution is found, our business will be severely impacted. The growth of our business relies heavily on landlocked countries,” he emphasized.
President Hassan has graciously agreed to host the upcoming summit to discuss the situation in eastern DRC, following an agreement between SADC President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe and EAC President William Ruto of Kenya.
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have confirmed their attendance at the meeting, which will be preceded by a ministerial meeting on Friday before the Heads of State convene on Saturday.
