On the night of December 20, 2024, tragedy struck on the Busira River in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where an overloaded ferry capsized, resulting in at least 38 confirmed deaths and leaving more than 100 others missing. This devastating incident occurred as the ferry was filled with passengers, primarily merchants returning home for Christmas, according to Joseph Joseph Kangolingoli, the mayor of Oingende, the last town before the site of the accident.
Reports indicate the ferry, part of a convoy with other vessels, had begun its perilous voyage with more than 400 passengers onboard. Eyewitnesses, including local resident Ndolo Kaddy, emphasized the dire conditions leading to the disaster, stating, "This ferry was overloaded with more than 400 passengers... There is strong belief the death toll could rise as we continue to search for survivors."
The capsizing of this ferry highlights the chronic issue of overloading on Congolese waterways—a practice well known to federal authorities, who have repeatedly warned against it. Just four days before this tragic event, another boat capsized in the region, claiming 25 lives. The situation is frustrating and perilous for the people of northeastern Congo, where many communities lack reliable public transportation options, forcing individuals to rely on overloaded ferries even amid safety concerns.
Despite the DRC government’s promises to enforce safety regulations, local residents know safety measures are notoriously neglected. The consequences are visible: mere months earlier, separate incidents saw at least 78 people drown when another overloaded boat sank on Lake Kivu, and another 80 perished near Kinshasa earlier this year. Local governments and the Congolese populace are increasingly vocal about their frustration, especially following this most recent tragedy.
Community member Nesty Bonina expressed outrage at the government’s lack of preventive measures, noting: "How can a ship navigate at night under the watchful eye of river service agents? And now we’re recording over a hundred deaths?" This sentiment reflects the broader skepticism about the effectiveness of safety measures and the capability of authorities to manage the growing frequency of such disasters.
The preference for ferries over roads is exacerbated by the socio-political climate; security concerns often render major roadways inaccessible, as armed clashes between Congolese security forces and rebel factions persist. This situation leaves local populations with few safe or viable options for transportation. Many have turned to wooden vessels, which can become overcrowded and dangerously unsafe, all the more so during peak travel seasons like the lead-up to Christmas.
Efforts are currently underway to locate the missing passengers from the recent capsizing, with local officials confirming 20 individuals have been rescued so far. Search and rescue operations continue, but as the casualty count rises, authorities face heightened scrutiny about their ability to manage and mitigate such risks.
Participatory response from local government and safety agencies remains key to addressing these challenges. With transportation safety under fire, there is urgency for tangible reforms and stricter enforcement of regulations to protect lives on Congolese waterways.
While communities brace themselves for potentially grim news as search operations continue, the hope is they may compel authorities to take immediate action. Until then, many fear the boats will keep sinking, and lives will continue to be lost, overshadowed by the persistent threat of neglect and inadequate regulatory oversight.
The lack of accountability and transparency surrounding the management of ferry services fosters doubts about the state's commitment to public safety. Therefore, this latest tragedy must serve as a wake-up call—not just for local authorities but for the entire DRC, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and serious measures to enforce the safety of public transport on waterways.
