Rwanda and DR Congo peace talks collapse amid deadlock
- An overloaded boat capsized on the Fimi River in central Congo, leading to the deaths of at least 25 people.
- The incident has invoked deep concerns about the chronic issue of overloading boats in the region, as well as a lack of adequate safety measures.
- Calls for government intervention and improved safety regulations in river transportation are growing in response to the frequent tragedies.
Congo experienced a tragic maritime accident recently when an overcrowded boat capsized on the Fimi River, resulting in the deaths of over 25 individuals, including children. The boat had left Inongo, located northeast of the capital Kinshasa, and was reported to have more than 100 passengers on board when it capsized just a few hundred meters into its journey. This incident is part of a troubling pattern in Maï-Ndombe province, where overloading vessels are common due to residents' reliance on river transport amid security concerns affecting the availability of public transportation. The government has been criticized for insufficient safety measures in the region, where such tragedies have escalated in frequency. With dozens of individuals still missing, local authorities are actively searching for survivors while the community calls for immediate governmental action to enhance the safety of river travel. The capsizing accident is not an isolated event; there have been several similar incidents this year. For instance, another tragedy claimed the lives of at least 78 people in October, while prior accidents in June also resulted in significant fatalities. Overloading due to economic constraints often forces individuals to rely on precarious wooden vessels, which are hazardous in the region's dangerous navigation conditions. Local residents are urging authorities to provide flotation devices and implement stricter measures to ensure safety on the waters to prevent future disasters.