DRC, Water Giant but Blind Spot in Water Observation?

The DRC, crossed by the Congo River and possessing an extensive network of rivers and lakes, remains largely invisible in international hydrological observation systems, despite recurrent flooding. In 2025, the OMM report listed the DRC among countries severely affected by floods for three consecutive years, with at least 165 deaths in April 2025 in Kinshasa. However, the DRC did not contribute hydrological data for the report, unlike neighboring Rwanda. The OMM emphasizes that Africa, including the DRC, is underrepresented in its observation systems, complicating water risk monitoring.