Two Congo Boat Accidents Kill Over 190 in Equateur Province

Two separate boat accidents in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Equateur province have resulted in at least 193 deaths and many more missing, highlighting ongoing safety issues with river transport in the region. On Thursday, a boat carrying nearly 500 passengers caught fire and capsized near Malange village in Lukolela territory, killing 107 people and leaving 146 missing, while 209 were rescued. The previous day, a motorized boat capsized during nighttime in Basankusu territory, killing at least 86 people, mostly students, with several others missing. Authorities and state media attribute the accidents to factors including overloading, night navigation, lack of life jackets, and poor safety measures, while local groups criticize government negligence and suggest the death toll could be higher. River transport remains vital for many communities due to poor road infrastructure, but overcrowding, old vessels, and inadequate regulation continue to make travel hazardous. Rescue efforts are ongoing but complicated by remote locations and limited resources, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety enforcement on Congo's waterways.