Horror on the High Seas: Boat Capsizes in Eastern Congo, Killing 22 as Rebels Advance
A boat carrying people escaping the rebel attack in eastern Congo overturned, leading to the deaths of 22 people, officials reported on Thursday.
The boat was traveling from Vitshumbi, a town on the southern side of Lake Edward, towards Virunga National Park, which is on the northern shore. The accident happened late Wednesday, according to Delphin Malekani, a civil society leader in Kyavinonge.
Most of the passengers on board were trying to escape from the advancing M23 rebels, who are believed to have the support of Rwanda. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact reason why the boat sank. However, eight people survived, according to officials.
M23 is one of the strongest among more than 100 armed groups fighting for control of eastern Congo’s valuable minerals. According to United Nations experts, Rwanda is backing the rebels with around 4,000 troops. In the past, M23 has threatened to march to Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, which is over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) away.
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Recently, the rebels took control of Bukavu, a major city south of Goma, near the Burundi border. This area is rich in minerals such as gold and coltan, which are used in making capacitors for electronic devices like laptops and smartphones.
Experts believe that the rebels are not just seeking temporary control but aiming for political power. Unlike in 2012, when they briefly occupied Goma, this time, they seem determined to hold onto captured areas. The new mayor of Goma, appointed by the rebels, announced a population count on Tuesday, indicating their plan to govern the city. Ferry services between Goma and Bukavu have also restarted, as it is the only way to travel between these cities.
Lake Edward’s ferry services have been banned since March of last year, but due to the fast-moving rebel forces, many people are risking dangerous and unofficial boat trips. So far this year, hundreds of people have died or gone missing in similar boat accidents.
Overcrowded boat sinking is becoming a bigger problem in Congo, as people choose unsafe wooden boats instead of using roads. Road travel is risky because of frequent battles between government forces and rebels, which often block major highways.
Horror on the High Seas: Boat Capsizes in Eastern Congo, Killing 22 as Rebels Advance
