Fire at a CENI warehouse in Bukavu: an ongoing investigation to establish responsibilities
A tragic fire occurred on Saturday July 29 in Bukavu, South Kivu, causing the destruction of numerous materials belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). According to official information, the fire destroyed 900 voting machines, motorcycles, batteries and solar panels. Only 300 machines could be saved.
The fire broke out in a CENI warehouse, located in an SNCC concession in Bukavu. Initial findings indicate that the fire started in the carpentry adjacent to the CENI building, causing the flames to spread rapidly.
The provincial authorities of South Kivu reacted immediately by opening an investigation to determine the causes of the fire and identify possible responsibilities. The governor of the province went there to see the damage and confirmed the imminent arrival of a CENI team in Bukavu to take the necessary measures.
This fire comes a few days after the President of the Senate donated five fire trucks to the city of Bukavu. This tragedy raises questions about the effectiveness of fire safety devices and the need to strengthen prevention measures in sensitive facilities such as CENI warehouses.
The fire in this warehouse is a real blow for the CENI, since the destroyed materials were intended to equip the offices of the organization’s branches in Bukavu and in certain territories for the next elections. This risks delaying the electoral process and jeopardizing the establishment of the infrastructure necessary for the smooth running of the ballot.
In conclusion, the fire at the CENI warehouse in Bukavu is a disaster that will have significant consequences for the organization of the next elections. An in-depth investigation is underway to determine the causes of this incident and possible responsibilities. It is crucial to put in place reinforced prevention and security measures to avoid such tragedies in the future