The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a ban on the navigation of wooden fishing boats, known as baleinières, on all waterways in the country, effective November 15, 2026. This decision was made to address the increasing number of accidents and shipwrecks on the country's waterways. The ban applies to the Congo River, its tributaries, other watercourses, and lakes within the country's borders.
The ban was announced by Jean-Pierre Bemba, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Transport, Communications, and Decongestion, on October 6. He instructed the Ministry of Transport to take necessary measures to ensure the effective implementation of the ban. The Congolese National Police and Naval Force have been tasked with enforcing the ban and can intercept and seize any wooden boats that continue to operate after the ban takes effect.
To minimize disruptions to the transportation of people and goods, the government plans to increase the use of metal boats. The Director-General of the National Transport Office (ONATRA) has been instructed to deploy available floating units, including metal barges, pushers, and barges, on major waterways. This move aims to modernize the country's river transport system and reduce the risks faced by passengers and crew members.
The ban is part of a series of measures aimed at improving navigation safety in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Previous measures include restrictions on nighttime navigation, mandatory life jacket use, technical inspections of boats, and a gradual replacement of wooden boats with metal ones. A recent accident on October 2, in which a collision between two wooden boats near Lukolela resulted in two deaths and 35 missing people, highlights the need for increased safety measures.
The government has emphasized its commitment to accelerating the modernization of river transport and reducing risks on the country's waterways. The ban on wooden boats is expected to contribute to this effort. Authorities have called on boat operators to comply with the new regulations and cooperate with the government's efforts to improve safety and efficiency in the sector.
The decision has been welcomed by many as a step towards improving safety on the country's waterways. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the livelihoods of those who depend on wooden boats for their daily activities. The government has assured that it will work with stakeholders to mitigate any negative effects and ensure a smooth transition to metal boats.
According to Félix MULUMBA KALEMBA, this decision will help to reduce the risks associated with the use of wooden boats and promote a safer and more efficient transportation system. The government will continue to work towards achieving this goal.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned wooden fishing boats from navigating its waterways starting November 15, 2026.
- The ban aims to address safety concerns and promote the modernization of the country's river transport system.
- The government plans to increase the use of metal boats to minimize disruptions to transportation.
