Congolese football players dead after boat capsizes

A boat has capsized in Southwestern Congo, killing 25 people, many of whom were football players.

According to AfricaNews ,the players were on their way back from a match in Mushie city, Maï-Ndombe province on the evening of March 9^th,when their boat sank on the Kwa River.

Provincial spokesperson, Alexis Mputu said poor visibility at night may have contributed to the accident.

Approximately 30 people survived the accident, said Renacle Kwatiba, local administrator of Mushie territory.

Boat accidents are fairly common in Congo, nighttime travel and the overcrowding of vessels are thought to be the main causes. Congolese authorities struggle to enforce maritime regulations, making these boats all the more dangerous. Standard maritime regulations include boat construction, safety equipment, and working conditions.

Congo’s rivers are a key mode of transport for its population of 100 million people, boat travel is especially important in remote areas due to poor infrastructure.

Recently, boat travel in Congo has become more popular, as roads become increasingly dangerous and disused due to the presence of M23 rebels in the country. The conflict in the region continues despite international calls for a ceasefire.

AfricaNews, Maghrebi, CNA