Over the past nine months, 33 Congolese fishermen have been killed and 56 others injured on Lake Kivu, reportedly by soldiers suspected to be from the Rwandan Naval Force. These attacks occurred during nighttime fishing, according to the Synergy of Lake Kivu Fishermen’s Associations, which revealed the statistics during a meeting with provincial authorities, appealing for protection.
Mushagalusa Salomon, a fisherman, narrowly escaped his attackers four times, losing his nets and boat each time. “They come in groups, throw stones at us, and we have to jump into the water to survive. If not, they kill us and take everything,” he explained.
Lake Kivu is a crucial livelihood source for many families in the region, including those in the surrounding territories and Bukavu city. Fish from the lake are a staple in local markets and key to the community’s diet.
To curb the violence, the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) has promised two speedboats for security patrols. Provincial deputy Jackson Kalimba, investigating the attacks, pledged to push Kinshasa authorities for action. He urged enhanced security on the lake to protect fishermen.
During a public meeting on September 8, South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki announced plans to install surveillance cameras on Lake Kivu to monitor and prevent future incidents. Efforts to obtain a response from the Rwandan naval forces have been unsuccessful, amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
