In a bid to enhance passenger safety on waterways, Democratic Republic of Congo's Vice Prime Minister and Transport Minister, Jean-Pierre Bemba, has ordered a ban on wooden canoes, effective November 15, 2026. The move aims to phase out the use of outdated and insecure watercraft on the country's rivers and lakes. Bemba signed a series of instructions on October 6, 2026, formally prohibiting the use of wooden canoes nationwide.
The ban affects one of the most widely used modes of transportation on Congo's water networks, promising to disrupt the habits of thousands of passengers and operators. To enforce the ban, the government will mobilize security services, including the National Police and Naval Force, to intercept any canoes attempting to continue navigating after the deadline. The goal is to strengthen passenger safety and gradually end the use of wooden canoes deemed unfit for navigation.
To mitigate the impact of the ban, Bemba has instructed the Office National des Transports (ONATRA) to deploy available metal floating units on the national network. This includes reinforcing the circulation of pushers, barges, and metallic boats that have been refurbished or are available. The aim is to reorganize rotations and routes to prevent traffic paralysis. Wooden canoes have long been a vital means of transportation and goods movement in many regions of the Congo.
The ban on wooden canoes represents a significant change for communities reliant on waterways to connect different localities. With the deadline looming, concerns arise about how to absorb the considerable volume of passengers and goods currently transported by these canoes. The government is working to ensure a smooth transition, but the impact on local populations and economies remains to be seen.
The decision to ban wooden canoes is part of a broader effort to improve safety and security on Congo's waterways. The country has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including repeated deadly boat accidents. By phasing out wooden canoes, the government hopes to reduce the risk of such incidents and provide safer transportation options for passengers.
The move has been welcomed by some as a necessary step to modernize the country's transportation infrastructure. However, others have expressed concerns about the potential economic and social impacts of the ban. As the government works to implement the ban, it will need to balance the need for safety with the need to support local communities and economies.
The ban on wooden canoes is the latest in a series of efforts by the Congolese government to improve safety and security in the country. With the support of security services and transportation agencies, the government aims to ensure a successful transition to safer, more modern watercraft. The impact of the ban will be closely watched in the coming months and years.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned wooden canoes on its waterways to improve passenger safety, effective November 15, 2026.
- The ban aims to phase out outdated and insecure watercraft, with security services mobilized to enforce the measure.
- The government plans to deploy metal floating units to mitigate the impact of the ban on transportation and trade.
