The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a ban on wooden boats navigating its waterways, effective November 15, 2026. This decision was made by the Vice Prime Minister in charge of Transportation, Jean-Pierre Bemba, following a series of accidents and incidents involving wooden boats, or baleinières. According to the Congolese press agency, these boats have been involved in numerous accidents, resulting in significant loss of life and property damage.
The ban aims to address the growing concern of waterway accidents in the country. In a letter addressed to relevant government members, Bemba stated that despite previous measures, violations persist, particularly among operators of wooden boats. These boats are prone to accidents, especially when navigating long distances or during inclement weather. The Vice Prime Minister has instructed the Secretary General of Transportation to enforce the ban and collaborate with the police and naval forces to intercept and seize any non-compliant boats.
The use of wooden boats is widespread in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where millions of people and large quantities of goods rely on water transportation due to the country's vast territory and limited road and rail infrastructure. However, this mode of transportation is plagued by insecurity, with frequent accidents occurring. In the current year alone, nearly 100 people have lost their lives in waterway accidents, and hundreds more have been affected in major disasters.
Several factors contribute to the recurrence of these accidents, including the use of fragile, artisanal wooden boats that are not designed for long-distance travel or harsh weather conditions. Additionally, overloading and poor maintenance of these boats exacerbate their vulnerability. The government has attempted to address these issues through various measures, including suspending complicit lacustrine commissioners, enforcing rigorous technical controls, and prohibiting nighttime navigation.
The ban on wooden boats is part of a broader effort to improve safety and regulate the water transportation sector. The government aims to replace wooden boats with modern, metal barges. To ensure compliance, the authorities will work with the police and naval forces to monitor and enforce the ban. Those found violating the ban will face consequences in accordance with existing laws.
The water transportation sector plays a vital role in the Democratic Republic of Congo's economy and daily life. With a vast network of rivers, lakes, and waterways, the country relies heavily on this mode of transportation. However, the persistence of accidents and incidents has raised concerns about safety and the need for more stringent regulations.
The government has urged cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to safer and more reliable water transportation. The ban on wooden boats is expected to significantly reduce the number of accidents and improve overall safety on the country's waterways. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to enforce the ban and promote a culture of safety.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned wooden boats from navigating its waterways starting November 15, 2026, due to safety concerns and frequent accidents.
