A tragic incident unfolded on the waters of Lake Edward near Vitshumbi in Nord-Kivu province during the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, February 19, 2025. A canoe capsized, leading to the disappearance of around twenty individuals and valuable possessions, as reported by ACTUALITE.CD. The vessel was en route from the Lubero territory to Beni territory via the lake route.
Mbusa Kavasya from the local fishermen’s committee revealed that the majority of the victims were civilians escaping through the Vitshumbi fishing village to reach Kyavinyonge, a bit further away from the M23 rebellion activity. He mentioned the challenging task of retrieving the bodies of the missing individuals from the waters. “It was near Lunyasenge that the canoe capsized. There were at least 37 people on board, including children, of whom six were rescued. The bodies of the missing individuals are still underwater, with only one body being recovered in Vitshumbi,” he shared on Thursday, February 20.
Contrary accounts from the area suggest that 8 passengers were saved thanks to the efforts of fishermen who were on the waters at the time of the tragedy. “The canoe departed Vitshumbi around 4 p.m. on Tuesday. There is no longer a maritime police presence as the locality is under the control of the M23 rebellion. Currently, navigation regulations are being disregarded,” mentioned a Musenda resident who preferred to remain anonymous, attributing the incident to adverse weather conditions.
The missing victims were attempting to flee areas under M23 rebel control via Vitshumbi, a coastal town on Lake Edward that had fallen under the control of the assailants in recent months.
### Expert Insights on Water Safety and Navigation
Dieubon Mughenze, residing in Beni, emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols while navigating the waters, especially in regions affected by conflict and instability. “Tragedies like the one witnessed on Lake Edward serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with water travel, particularly in areas where law enforcement presence may be limited or compromised,” he stated.
### Impact of Conflict on Local Communities
The presence of armed groups and rebel factions in the Nord-Kivu region has significantly impacted the lives of local residents, forcing them to make perilous journeys in search of safety and security. The lack of proper oversight and enforcement of maritime regulations further exacerbates the risks faced by individuals traveling by water.
As the search continues for the remaining missing persons and efforts are made to prevent similar incidents in the future, it is crucial for authorities and communities to collaborate on enhancing water safety measures and ensuring the well-being of those relying on water transportation for their livelihoods or survival.
The full extent of the tragedy that unfolded on Lake Edward near Vitshumbi serves as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by individuals navigating volatile waters in conflict-affected regions. The loss of lives and the harrowing circumstances surrounding the incident underscore the urgent need for improved safety protocols and enforcement mechanisms to prevent such disasters from recurring. As the community mourns the loss of those who perished in this tragic event, the resilience and solidarity of the people in Nord-Kivu shine through in their unwavering commitment to supporting one another in times of adversity.