“Taxi drivers of Goma: between precariousness and hope”
For years, the drivers of Goma, grouped within the association “Secteur voiture”, have faced major challenges in the exercise of their profession. Their recent request to the local authorities to guarantee their safety reveals a poignant cry from the heart that deserves special attention.
John Fundi, emblematic president of the association, embodies the voice of these courageous drivers who fight daily to ensure their livelihood. His statement underlines the deep pain that grips these men and women who, far from prying eyes, travel the streets of Goma to transport their customers in an often difficult context.
The threat of a protest march following the tragic murder of one of their own has so far been contained by the wisdom of the “Secteur voiture” team. Beyond legitimate anger, these drivers have chosen the peaceful way to express their demands, thus demonstrating exemplary maturity and a burning desire to promote dialogue rather than confrontation.
The harassment suffered by these taxi drivers, particularly by some law enforcement officers, illustrates the climate of insecurity and uncertainty in which they operate. The poignant stories of drivers who have been unfairly treated highlight the urgent need for adequate protection from the relevant authorities.
Behind these life stories, we see a portrait of a city on the move, where car taxis play a crucial role, particularly at night. Faced with the ban on motorcycle taxis after 6 p.m., these drivers are becoming essential links in urban mobility, providing essential travel to an often neglected segment of the population.
It is time for the authorities to take stock of the situation and act to guarantee the safety and dignity of these shadow workers. The taxi drivers of Goma, through their tenacity and resilience, deserve to be supported and valued, because they are the ones who, night after night, transport not only passengers, but also the hopes and dreams of a community in search of progress and solidarity.