At Least 50 Dead After Boat Capsizes on a Lake in Eastern Congo
NewsweekSep 29
DR Congo: At Least 78 Killed After Boat Capsizes in Lake Kivu
story
Above: War-displaced people and locals residents arrive from Goma on a handmade wooden boat at a port near Minova in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, on March 10, 2024. Image copyright: ALEXIS HUGUET/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
At least 78 people died in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday when an overcrowded boat that departed from Minova, South Kivu, capsized on Lake Kivu while attempting to dock at the port of Kituku in Goma, North Kivu.
With rescue operations ongoing, the death toll is expected to rise. The vessel reportedly carried 278 passengers despite having a capacity of about 30. At least 58 people have been rescued in search-and-rescue operations.
The Spin
Narrative A
The government needs to step up and take responsibility for these recurring tragedies. Lax enforcement of maritime regulations and negligence in the face of growing insecurity are costing lives. It's high time for authorities to crack down on those violating water safety rules and address the root causes of these accidents, which include overcrowding and negligence.
Narrative B
The situation is more complex than simply blaming the authorities. Limited infrastructure and ongoing conflicts force remote communities to make difficult choices. Maritime transport on Lake Kivu is often considered safer than insecure roads and unaffordable public transportation. Rather than pointing fingers, the focus should be on improving overall safety and infrastructure.
