Kenya Airways has lodged a formal complaint regarding the detention of two of its employees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The airline maintains that the staff members are being held unjustly despite a court order securing their release. The employees were apprehended by Congolese military intelligence on April 19th on suspicion of customs violations. The alleged offence involved incomplete documentation for valuable cargo slated for transport the previous week. Kenya Airways vehemently refutes these claims, highlighting that the cargo never came into their possession.
The airline asserts that the detention is an instance of harassment directed towards their operations. At the time of the arrest, the cargo remained in the baggage section undergoing standard clearance procedures. Despite explanations from Kenya Airways, the military intelligence unit accuses them of transporting the goods without proper authorization. A glimmer of hope emerged on April 25th when a court ruling mandated the release of the employees to facilitate a fair legal process.
However, their continued detention reflects the intricate regulatory challenges faced by international carriers operating in the DRC. Kenya Airways has urged for a swift resolution to the situation and the just treatment of their staff. The incident raises concerns about the adherence to legal procedures in the DRC and the potential disruption to international trade caused by such arbitrary actions. Kenya Airways likely seeks not only the release of their employees but also a clear resolution from the Congolese authorities to prevent similar situations in the future.
Kenya Airways has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest international standards in cargo handling and transportation. The airline emphasizes stringent procedures known as “Ready for Carriage,” designed to guarantee that all cargo meets the legal requirements of their diverse destinations. Before accepting any cargo shipment, Kenya Airways requires its logistics partners to demonstrate compliance with these established protocols.
