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UN chief expresses deep sadness after boat capsizing in DR Congo

UN chief expresses deep sadness after boat capsizing in DR Congo

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has added his voice to those of other United Nations officials expressing deep sadness at learning of the news that more than 140 people have reportedly died when a boat capsized in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this week.

“The Secretary-General sends his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and to the people and Government of the DRC,” his spokesperson Martin Nesirky told journalists today.

General Assembly President Ali Treki yesterday also expressed deep sadness about the tragedy.

Media reports state that the boat capsized on Wednesday as it was transporting passengers and goods along the Kasai River, a tributary of the Congo River, from the town of Mushie to Kinshasa, the national capital. There are indications that the boat was overloaded.

Many Congolese travel by boat, even when the vessel is overcrowded, as the country has few functioning roads and railways.