Sinking Boat Kills Dozens in DRC

In Summary

• Over 80 people died after a boat sank on the Kwa River in the DRC.
• The accident occurred about 70km from Mushie in Mai-Ndombe province.
• Night sailing is believed to be the cause, with investigations ongoing.
• President Tshisekedi has called for an investigation and directed authorities to assist those affected.
• Boat accidents are frequent in the DRC due to overcrowded vessels and limited road infrastructure.

DETAILS

Kinshasha, Democratic Republic of Congo-More than 80 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have died after the boat they were traveling on sank, President Felix Tshisekedi has announced. The accident occurred on Wednesday on the Kwa River, about 70km (43 miles) from the city of Mushie in Mai-Ndombe province.

“The President of the Republic is calling for an investigation into the true causes of this unfortunate incident, to prevent such a disaster from happening again in the future,” the presidency said in a statement posted on X. Tshisekedi “sends his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims,” the statement said, adding that he directed authorities to take measures and help those affected.

The incident was caused by night sailing, according to Rita Bola Dula, Mai-Ndombe province governor, who told Reuters news agency that investigations were ongoing.

Deadly boat accidents are common in the DRC, where vessels are frequently loaded well beyond their capacity. The central African country has few tarred roads across its vast, forested territory, and river travel is common.