Traders in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasaï-Central province have blamed the National Railways Company of Congo (SNCC) after 13 railcars carrying more than 350 metric tons of fish were stranded for several months in Luena, Haut-Lomami province.

According to traders speaking on Radio Okapi on June 17, 2026, the shipments have been stuck since January. The cargo includes salted fish, smoked fish and dried small fish.

The traders say they have suffered significant financial losses. They also say they continue to pay various taxes and logistics charges despite still being unable to access their goods.

According to the traders, the prolonged delay has disrupted the supply chain in Kasaï-Central, where fish products are an important commodity in local markets.

SNCC Rejects Diversion Allegations

The National Association of Fish Sellers has also alleged that some of the cargo may have been diverted. Its provincial president, Léonard Mpumbu, said part of the products destined for Kananga may have been sold locally in Luena by personnel accompanying the shipment.

The allegations have been rejected by SNCC. Emmanuel Kalonji, a representative of the railway company, said the delays were caused by technical constraints, including fuel shortages and recurring locomotive breakdowns.

SNCC says the goods remain secure and under surveillance. The company also said operations are gradually returning to normal, with the railcars having left Luena to continue their journey to Kananga.

According to Emmanuel Kalonji, the railcars were in Kamina at the time of his comments and were en route to their final destination. The railway company therefore maintains that freight services have resumed, although traders remain concerned about the losses already incurred.

The case highlights the fragility of rail transport along corridors linking supply areas to Kasaï-Central. SNCC's technical difficulties, combined with transport delays, can quickly create tensions in markets and weaken traders' business activities.

Beyond the case of the 13 railcars, the issue concerns SNCC's ability to provide regular and reliable freight transport to Kananga. For traders, the resumption of services alone will not be enough. They are also seeking guarantees on the security of cargo and adherence to delivery schedules.

Ronsard Luabeya