Ethiopian Heavy Truck Drivers Stranded and Detained Over Forced 'Corridor Development' Payments

Heavy truck drivers have expressed their frustration, stating, "We have been stranded in Asosa after being told that we cannot pass unless we pay up to 20,000 birr for corridor development."

Heavy truck drivers have been detained in Asosa under the pretext of not paying for corridor development, as reported by Tikvah Ethiopia. They explained that the mandatory payments demanded were 20,000 birr for trailers, 15,000 birr for tankers, and 10,000 birr for FSR vehicles.

"When will the widespread injustice we are facing be resolved? We know our work, so should we plead?" they asked in frustration.

They also highlighted the illegality of being forced to pay such amounts within three months, especially when they are struggling to make ends meet due to the killings and extortion they face.

Tikvah Ethiopia attempted to get a response from the Asosa City Police Command regarding the issue, but they were unwilling to answer the phone at the time.

The Ethiopian Heavy Truck Drivers Association has acknowledged the complaint. The association's manager, Mr. Solomon Zewdu, stated, "I have been informed about this. If you don't want to deal with the drivers, you can park the truck, leave the cargo untouched, and report it to the police."

He added, "You don't have to pay for corridor development everywhere you go. The driver doesn't have the money. If anyone should be asked, it should be the wealthy."

Mr. Solomon, a heavy truck driver, questioned, "The salary is 4,000 birr. Where will he get the money?" and mentioned that they have reported this to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.

"This is not the only issue. In Debre Markos, fertilizer-carrying drivers are being forced to weigh their trucks at a flour mill instead of using the truck scale," he explained, shedding light on the numerous challenges they are facing.