Securing the roads of Ituri province to protect transporters and traders
In the province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo, road safety is a major concern for transporters and shippers. Serge Mbijo, president of the Association of Transporters and Shippers of Congo (ATCC), recently pleaded in favor of strengthening security measures along national roads 4 and 27.
The roads of the RN4 and the RN27 are currently exposed to acts of looting and burning perpetrated by armed groups, in particular terrorists from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Faced with this situation, Serge Mbijo calls on the government to mobilize the security and defense forces in order to protect the vehicles and goods of carriers.
This request follows several recent incidents, including the burning of two traders’ trucks on the Komanda-Mambasa axis. Unfortunately, the drivers of these trucks are still missing.
To remedy this situation and ensure the safety of transporters, Serge Mbijo proposes the deployment of elements of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) along the RN4, in particular between the commercial center of Komanda and the locality of Lolwa up to ‘in Mambasa.
Securing these roads is essential to allow carriers and shippers to carry out their activities with complete peace of mind. By strengthening security arrangements, the risk of armed attacks can be reduced and a climate more conducive to trade can be fostered.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo must therefore take concrete measures to respond to this legitimate demand from transporters and shippers. The protection of roads and transport professionals is not only an economic issue, but also an essential issue for the stability and development of the Ituri region.
In conclusion, securing national roads 4 and 27 in Ituri province is a priority to guarantee the protection of transporters and shippers. The authorities must therefore put in place reinforced security arrangements in order to prevent acts of looting and arson perpetrated by armed groups. By ensuring road safety, the Democratic Republic of the Congo will thus promote an environment conducive to trade and contribute to the economic development of the Ituri region