Leading opposition Ensemble Pour la Republique President Moïse Katumbi has paid tribute to victims who lost their lives in Friday night’s tragic Mapamboli whaling ship accident on the Congo River.
On Friday night, 57 people lost their lives while 120 others remain missing after the Mapamboli Boat capsized on the Congo River, in Mbandaka, Équateur Province.
Katumbi has since sent his message of condolences to the families in Mbandaka who lost their loved ones in the tragic accident.
“On the night of Friday, 13 October, 2023 the sinking of the Mapamboli whaling ship was another terrible tragedy,
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the 57 victims and my compassion to those of the 120 missing as well as to the entire population of Mbandaka who recently gave me a very warm welcome” Katumbi wrote on his official X account (formerly Twitter).
Meanwhile, Katumbi has blamed the government for its laxity and failure to set strict regulations to restrict ships and boats from the hazard of navigating in the night and overloading that resulted in Friday night’s tragedy.
“This tragedy is the direct consequence of the resignation of the government which tolerates the night navigation of obsolete and overloaded boats on which, at the risk of their lives, our compatriots embark without life jackets” Katumbi writes.
Katumbi bemoaned that the government had for umpteenth time let down its own people and failed to execute its duty.
“Unable to rescue the shipwrecked, the state services have once again failed in their mission” he said.
Katumbi also noted the several challenges faced by the people of Mbandaka who have been neglected by President Fèlix Tshisekedi’s government that has failed to live up to its promises.
After traveling the banks of the Congo River for more than 800 kilometers, I encountered our populations totally abandoned and left to their own devices. I salute their courage and resilience. They must not lose hope. A new Congo is possible!” he concluded.
Last month, the former Katanga Governor visited the city of Mbandaka where he was handed an overwhelming reception by a massive crowd.
