This archive report was first published on 13 June 2020.
Published on June 13, 2020, talks are expected to take place between Rwanda and Tanzania, as well as Kenya and Tanzania, to address a truckers' standoff at their borders.
Tanzanian truck owners are protesting Covid-19 control measures that require them to terminate their trips at the Rwanda border, with exceptions for perishables and petroleum products, as per a deal reached by the governments on May 15.
According to media reports, the Tanzania Truck Owners Association has requested the government to review its members' claims that their Covid-19 certificates are being rejected at the borders, while others have to wait for long to offload cargo at the Namanga (with Kenya) and Rusumo (Rwanda) borders.
Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Vincent Biruta, confirmed that parties were expected to meet, but did not reveal the specific demands presented by Tanzania or whether the talks signal a setback to the previously reached deal.
Kenya and Tanzania are also making arrangements to have talks to settle the matter, with Kenya's Transport officials rejecting Tanzania's certificates last week, causing a pile-up of trucks as Tanzania also stopped Kenyan drivers.
