A young man from Rugerero Village, Tara Cell, Mururu Sector in Rusizi District was swept away by the Rusizi River while returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to reports, the young man had travelled from home to seek construction work in the DRC, a trade he had been studying in his fifth year at a vocational school.
On June 8, while returning from Bukavu, he was reportedly travelling with another young man. They decided to use a boat route to cross the Rusizi River.
When they reached the crossing point in Mururu Sector, they found that the boat normally used to transport people across was unavailable, prompting them to swim across the river.
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“When we reached the crossing point, we found that the boat had already left and we could not find the people who operate it, so we decided to swim across.”
The young man said that after reaching the other side, he looked back but could not see his companion. He tried to look for him but was unable to find him.
“Since we crossed by swimming, when I reached the other side and looked back, I could not see him. I went back to look for him but found no one on the other side. However, I found the two loaves of bread he had bought for his younger siblings at the crossing point. That is when I informed others that he had drowned.”
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Family Continues Search for Missing Body
Since then, the family and local residents have continued searching for the body, but it has not yet been found.
Rusizi District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, Habimana Alfred, confirmed that authorities had been informed of the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
“We extend our condolences to the family that has lost their loved one. This is a great tragedy, and we urge them to remain strong during this difficult time.”
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Authorities Urge Residents to Use Official Border Crossings
Vice Mayor Habimana also urged residents travelling to or returning from the DRC to use official crossing points and avoid routes that could put their lives at risk.
“We urge residents travelling to or returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo to use legal crossing points because they are the safest way to avoid putting their lives at risk. All border crossings are open and people are permitted to use them, rather than taking unofficial routes that put their lives in danger.”
