Tanzanian Trucker Who Survived Goma Conflict Recounts Ordeal: ‘They Took Everything From Us’

A Tanzanian truck driver, Alois Emmanuel Bebe, has spoken about the harrowing experience he and 46 other drivers endured when M23 rebels attacked the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The drivers, who were transporting food supplies for the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP), found themselves caught in the chaos as the rebels unleashed violence in the region.

Speaking to journalists after reaching safety on January 28, 2025, in Rubavu, Rwanda, Alois recounted the terrifying ordeal where the rebels looted all their belongings. “They took all our money, phones, cooking equipment, and even offloaded our cargo. It was pure chaos—they damaged vehicles, smashed windows—it was a nightmare,” he said.

The drivers had been stranded in Goma for days without food or shelter, fearing for their lives as gunfire and explosions echoed around them. “Since we left, we haven’t eaten. Up to this moment, we have had nothing to eat. We’ve been hiding under our trucks, unable to cook or move because of the constant shooting and bomb explosions,” Alois explained.

Dangerous Route for Tanzanian Truckers
For many Tanzanian truck drivers, transporting goods to the DRC is a routine yet risky assignment. The country relies heavily on the port of Dar es Salaam for imports, which are then transported by road to the eastern parts of the DRC, including Goma.

However, the ongoing conflict in the region has made these journeys increasingly dangerous. With armed groups like M23 battling government forces, foreign drivers often find themselves caught in the crossfire. Many have reported cases of looting, hijacking, and even abductions while delivering goods. Alois described the level of violence as something he had never witnessed before. “People were killed. We heard gunfire, bomb explosions—all things we have never experienced in our country. But this time, we saw it all. It was terrifying. We thank God that we made it this far,” he said.

The situation in Goma remains tense, with fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese forces persisting. Aid agencies have raised concerns about the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers in the region as the conflict continues to escalate.

The harrowing experience of these truck drivers raises questions about the safety of Tanzanians working in conflict-prone areas like the DRC. Many are now calling on the Tanzanian government to engage with regional authorities to ensure better protection for its citizens operating in high-risk zones.

As the drivers recover from their traumatic ordeal in Rwanda, their story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by those who transport essential goods through war-torn territories.