On Wednesday, a mass burial was held in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, for the victims of a ferry disaster that claimed over 78 lives. The ceremony took place at Nyirangongo’s Makao cemetery, with participation from government officials, including the ministers of interior and social affairs, alongside local leaders and civil society representatives.
Earlier, families of the victims visited morgues in Goma, hoping for updates on the missing. Many are still unaccounted for, and while authorities continue search efforts, they have advised families to brace for the worst, as chances of finding survivors are slim.
Some relatives expressed frustration, feeling their preferences were not taken into account during the burial process. While some have chosen to conclude their mourning, others remain hopeful as recovery efforts continue in Lake Kivu.
In response to the tragedy, officials responsible for lake and river navigation have been suspended, and the Transport Ministry has ordered technical inspections of vessels. Legal proceedings are expected for those deemed responsible for the capsizing of the MV Merdi ferry, which sank last Thursday just short of its destination. The disaster has deeply affected both North and South Kivu, with many victims still believed to be trapped beneath the lake’s surface.
Ferry accidents are frequent in Congo, and civil society groups have criticized the government for failing to enforce safety measures, including limits on vessel capacity and the provision of life vests to passengers.
