Kasai Oriental: the opening of a direct Mbuji-Mayi–Dar es Salaam flight route is being considered

Mbuji-Mayi, July 30^th, 2026 (CPA). – The forthcoming launching of an air bridge providing direct cargo flights between Mbuji-Mayi, the chief town of Kasai Oriental in the centre of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, was the subject of discussions on Thursday between the governor and the Tanzanian ambassador to the country. “The idea is to open up Kasai Oriental province, in order to connect it directly, through Tanzania, to the Indian Ocean, while also strengthening its connectivity to the Atlantic Ocean. Connecting Kasai, located in the heart of the country, to both maritime gateways represents a forward-looking vision,” has declared Saidi Juma, Tanzania’s ambassador to DRC. “This initiative fully aligns with the vision of the President of the Republic, Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, who has made significant efforts to develop infrastructure across the country,” he has added. Speaking on this occasion, Governor Jean-Paul Mbwebwa has pledged to personally and rigorously oversee this project to ensure its realization within a reasonable period of time. “I pledge to oversee this strategic project, which aims, to open up Kasai Oriental economically by boosting trade, facilitating direct provisioning of the province and significantly reducing the cost of transporting goods, for the benefit of the local population,” has indicated the provincial governor.