KINSHASA, Congo — Authorities reported on Thursday that a tragic incident occurred when a boat transporting individuals fleeing the relentless advance of rebels in eastern Congo capsized, leading to the deaths of 22 people.
The incident took place late Wednesday while the boat was en route from Vitshumbi, located on the southern shore of Lake Edward, to Virunga National Park on the northern side. Delphin Malekani, who leads the local civil society group in Kyavinonge, shared this information, highlighting the severe risks facing civilians in the area.
Many of the individuals on board were escaping from the advancing M23 rebels, who are reportedly supported by Rwandan military forces. The precise cause of the boat’s capsizing has not yet been disclosed, although officials did confirm that eight passengers survived the ordeal.
The M23 group stands out among the numerous armed factions in eastern Congo, which number over 100 and compete for control over the area’s valuable mineral resources. According to United Nations experts, approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops bolster these rebels, who have threatened ambitions that stretch as far as Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, situated more than 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) away.
This week witnessed a significant development as M23 forces captured another provincial capital to the south of Goma, specifically Bukavu, adjacent to Burundi. This region is known for its rich deposits of gold and coltan, a critical mineral essential for manufacturing capacitors used in a wide array of consumer electronics, including smartphones and laptops.
Analysts assert that the rebels are now seeking political influence, marking a shift from their earlier objective of briefly taking control of Goma, which was a key area for security and humanitarian operations in 2012. The mayor, installed by the rebels in Goma, announced on Tuesday plans to conduct a census, suggesting their aim to establish a lasting authority over the city. Additionally, ferry services have resumed between Goma and Bukavu, providing the only current means of transportation between the two locations.
Due to the ongoing conflict, ferry operations on Lake Edward, which borders Uganda, have been banned since March of the previous year. However, desperate individuals fleeing the M23’s advance are increasingly resorting to risky and unauthorized ferry services. This year alone, hundreds have lost their lives or have been categorized as missing after similar capsizing incidents.
Overloaded boats capsizing has become an all too common occurrence in central Africa, as many prefer to use precarious wooden vessels instead of more secure road travel, which poses its own dangers. The roads are often scenes of violent clashes between Congolese security forces and rebel groups, which frequently block essential routes, further endangering the lives of civilians.
