Over 60 missing after boat capsizes on Congo's Aruwimi River

More than 60 people are feared missing after a boat capsized on the Aruwimi River in the Banalia territory, located 128 kilometers north of Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 2, with only six survivors reported so far. The motorized vessel was reportedly carrying numerous passengers and merchandise when it overturned.

Local security committees convened an emergency meeting, highlighting several critical failures that contributed to the tragedy. Witnesses and authorities pointed to the boat being severely overloaded, the complete absence of official checks before departure, and the recklessness of the driver, who will face legal consequences. The official ferry has been out of service for an extended period, and a new vessel has not yet been commissioned, forcing residents to rely on makeshift boats for river crossings.

This latest maritime disaster has fueled anger among the local population, who are demanding answers from the provincial authorities of Tshopo. Residents are calling for the immediate deployment of a secure and permanent crossing solution. They also urge for rigorous technical inspections of all motorized canoes to prevent future tragedies. Search operations are currently underway on the Aruwimi River, which is experiencing high water levels due to recent rainfall.