Several Tanzanian truck drivers stranded in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have issued urgent pleas for assistance. The drivers are stuck in Goma following the advancement of the M23 rebel group which is supported by the government of Rwanda. The drivers have turned to WhatsApp groups to share their distress and seek help.
In one of the circulating messages, a driver identified as Steven Mohamed Salehe, working for Greenland Driver Company, shared his situation, “Transit [WhatsApp] Group: I am in Goma. My name is Steven Mohamed Salehe, and I drive for Greenland Driver Company. The war here has intensified.”
He continued in an audio recording: “I am requesting that this message be shared so the Tanzanian Embassy can organize our rescue. We haven’t slept due to heavy gunfire, as you can hear in the background. Today is January 27, 2025.” The recording also captured the sound of gunfire, as Salehe was heard praying for safety.
Other Tanzanian drivers, reportedly hiding near Jambo Safari close to Goma Airport, have similarly called for assistance. According to their messages, about 43 drivers are trapped in the area and fear for their lives should they encounter M23 fighters. Among the drivers who identified themselves were Aloyce Emmanuel Bebe, Japhet Sylvester Hussein, Mussa Sadick Hamis, Ramadhani Rashid, and Mapambano Iddi.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called for Rwandan troops to withdraw from DRC territory and halt their support for the M23 rebel group. Tanzania, which has troops in DRC under the SADC mission, has not yet publicly commented on the DRC situation, but reinforcement of its troops is expected.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose country has lost nine soldiers in the past five days, held a call with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. The two heads of state agreed on the urgent need for a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks involving all parties to the conflict.
