Truck drivers denounce harassment on National Road 1 in Lubudi

Truck drivers travelling between Nguba village and Lubudi town in Lualaba province denounce what they consider abusive payments at three checkpoints on National Road 1. They say agents from public services, including the DGM, ANR, the armed forces, traffic police and road-safety commission, demand up to 25,000 Congolese francs per truck to let vehicles pass. Drivers also report fines of 120,000 to 200,000 francs imposed by the Lubudi secondary prosecutor’s office when passengers travel in freight trucks. The Lubudi territorial administrator says the barriers serve security purposes but acknowledges abuses and plans to convene the local security committee to review the complaints and take action.