At Least 50 Dead After Boat Capsizes on a Lake in Eastern Congo
NewsweekSEP 28 2024
DR Congo: At Least 78 Killed After Boat Capsizes in Lake Kivu
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 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.