At least 20 people have died, with over 100 others missing, after a boat capsized at the confluence of the Kasai and Sankuru rivers in the Ilebo territory of the Kasai province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Francois Kabula, administrator of the Ilebo territory, confirmed to local media on Saturday that 80 people have been rescued by fishermen who were near the scene when the accident occurred.

"We have recovered 20 bodies and recorded 80 survivors. Search operations are difficult," said Kabula.

According to local sources, the boat was carrying more than 200 passengers and goods when it capsized overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday while traveling between Ilebo and Sankuru.

Overloading is believed to have caused the accident, the sources added.