Shipwreck in the Democratic Republic of Congo Kills Over 80, President Orders Investigation

In a tragic incident, over 80 people lost their lives in a shipwreck in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the president’s office confirmed on Wednesday. The disaster occurred on the Kwa River, approximately 70 kilometers from Mushie in Maï-Ndombe province.

President Félix Tshisekedi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and called for an investigation into the causes of the accident to prevent future occurrences. The president’s office released a statement emphasizing the need for thorough inquiry and accountability.

Deadly shipwrecks are common in the DRC due to inadequate road infrastructure, forcing many residents to rely on river transport. The Congo River, with its numerous branches, is a major transportation route despite the risks. Just last October, a similar tragedy occurred in the northwestern part of the country when a boat carrying over 300 passengers capsized, resulting in at least 52 deaths.

This recent shipwreck highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the DRC in terms of transportation safety and infrastructure development. The government’s response and the outcomes of the proposed investigation are awaited with the hope of mitigating such disasters in the future.