Native officers say no less than 16 individuals had been killed Monday when a ship caught fireplace on the Congo River
ByJEAN-YVES KAMALE Related Press and JUSTIN KABUMBA Related Press
October 23, 2023, 6:59 PM
KINSHASA, Congo — At the very least 16 individuals had been killed Monday when a ship caught fireplace on the Congo River, native officers mentioned.
The boat was carrying gasoline and was on its technique to the town of Mbandaka from the japanese a part of the capital, Kinshasa, mentioned Papy Epiana, the provincial deputy. At the very least 11 individuals had been rescued and it is unclear if extra are lacking.
The accident comes two days after a ship capsized additionally on the Congo River, killing no less than 40 individuals.
Boat accidents are widespread on the Congo River and on the nation’s lakes due to the prevalent use of makeshift boats which can be usually overloaded. The vast majority of the inhabitants within the nation’s northwest use the rivers to journey due to a scarcity of fine roads and since it’s cheaper.
The accidents within the nation’s west come amid rising insecurity within the conflict-riddled east.
At the very least 30 individuals had been killed and their properties burned Sunday evening in Rutshuru Territory in North Kivu province, in accordance with native authorities.
The assault was perpetrated by the M23 insurgent group, mentioned Justin Kaleghesere, vice chairman for the Rutshuru Territory Youth Council.
The M23 insurgent group, largely comprised of Congolese ethnic Tutsis, rose to prominence 10 years in the past when its fighters seized Goma, japanese Congo’s largest metropolis on the border with Rwanda. Its identify derives from a March 23, 2009 peace deal, which it accuses the Congo authorities of not implementing. The insurgent group was dormant for almost a decade earlier than resurfacing late final yr.
Failed peace talks and damaged cease-fires have led to continued violence that has displaced tens of 1000’s of individuals.
Throughout Sunday’s assaults, officers say victims had been killed with machetes or shot when M23 launched assaults in opposition to the Wazalendo, a neighborhood self-defense group.
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Kabumba reported from Goma