Bridge collapse in DR Congo reignites debate about mining revenues

This photo, taken by a local, shows the bridge that once connected the two parts of the village of Hombo after it collapsed on June 3, 2026. Even though a number of people - including children - fell into the water, no one died. © Observers

Several people ended up in the river after an important bridge collapsed on June 3 in the village of Hombo in the eastern part of the DRC. The bridge is one of the failing critical infrastructures in a territory that is home to one of the most lucrative mines in the region.

The footage shows at least seven people floundering in the muddy river, trying to keep from being swept away by the current. An eighth person seems to be swimming towards them to help. A few seconds later, the man who is filming the scene and describing what is happening turns the camera to show what caused the chaos below: a wooden bridge has broken in half and both sides have collapsed into the water. Large groups of people are gathered on both banks.