The recent sinking of the whaleboat HB la Sainteté on the Kwa River in the Democratic Republic of Congo has aroused great emotion and raised many questions about the safety of river transport in the country. This tragic event, which occurred on June 1, 2024 near the town of Lediba in the Bolobo territory, highlighted the challenges faced by passengers using Congolese waterways.
While the boat was transporting around 271 passengers from Mushie to Kinshasa, the provisional report shows more than 80 missing, leaving behind grieving families and a nation in mourning. This disaster raises important questions about maritime safety and the regulations in force in the river transport sector in the DRC.
President Félix Tshisekedi, deeply touched by this tragedy, immediately ordered the competent authorities to put in place aid and relief measures for the victims, while demanding that a thorough investigation be carried out to determine the causes of this tragedy and prevent future accidents.
Lack of respect for navigation rules and overloading of boats have been singled out as factors contributing to this type of disaster. The Congolese authorities, under the leadership of Maître Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango, VPM and Minister of the Interior, Security and Customary Affairs, have promised to intensify controls and strengthen legislation on river navigation to guarantee the safety of passengers .
At the same time, other incidents, such as the capsizing of a whaling boat on the Kasai River, underline the urgency of coordinated action to prevent further tragedies. The government, aware of the risks associated with river transport, is committed to putting in place preventive measures and raising public awareness of good safety practices.
Beyond the immediate response to crises, it is essential that Congolese authorities work in collaboration with maritime sector stakeholders to ensure high security standards and safe travel conditions for all citizens. Investing in infrastructure, crew training and public awareness are crucial steps to prevent further tragedies and ensure the protection of passengers on Congolese waterways.
In conclusion, the sinking of the whaling boat in the DRC is a tragedy which must serve as a catalyst for concrete actions aimed at improving the safety of river transport in the country. The lives of passengers must not be put in danger due to negligence or faulty infrastructure. It is time to put in place effective measures to ensure that every traveler can cross Congolese rivers safely, without fearing for their life.