Vessel Capsizes on Lake Kivu, Killing at Least 12 and Leaving Dozens Missing

A boat carrying fish traders and goods from Idjwi Island’s Bwina to Boza capsized on Saturday night on Lake Kivu, near Idjwi Island in South Kivu province. According to Félix Habiragi, chief of the nearby village of Kisheke, the vessel held more than 50 people. He reported that at least 12 people were confirmed dead, about 15 survivors had been rescued, and dozens remained missing. Muhindo Ntambuka Pascal, the local administrator, confirmed the boat’s purpose and passenger load. The cause of the capsizing was not immediately clear.

Newsday

Boating is a primary mode of transport for Congo’s over-100 million residents, and deadly accidents on rivers and lakes are frequent. Vessels are often overloaded, and many passengers travel without life jackets despite recent regulations. Dorcelle Bagazane, a civil-society member on Idjwi, noted that authorities have begun requiring life jackets, yet compliance remains low.

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Local officials emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of safety measures. Félix Habiragi called for immediate assistance for the families of the victims and urged authorities to improve rescue capacity on the lake. Muhindo Ntambuka Pascal pledged that the provincial administration will investigate the incident and review transport regulations.

Newsday

• “The authorities had, in particular, begun requiring passengers to wear life jackets. Today, however, many people continue to travel without them,” — Dorcelle Bagazane

Newsday

The tragedy underscores persistent challenges in lake transport safety across the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting the gap between regulatory intent and on-the-ground practice.

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