Security conditions have continued to worsen dramatically across Rutshuru territory in North Kivu. Over a recent two-day period, at least ten individuals were abducted, two lives were tragically lost, and numerous possessions were plundered, according to reports from local humanitarian organizations.
These troubling events, documented across at least six distinct areas, encompassed a range of criminal acts including kidnappings, armed robberies on major roads, violent incursions into private homes, and direct clashes between rival armed factions. Humanitarian groups are urgently appealing for an immediate and decisive restoration of peace and order in this volatile region of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
On Wednesday morning, between 9 and 10 o’clock, a minimum of seven people were seized along the Kibirizi-Rwindi axis near Butindiri, and also on the Kibirizi-Kibingu route. Among those targeted were three motorcycle taxi operators and their passengers. The perpetrators also absconded with at least 18 packages of fish that were being transported from Vitshumbi. The identities of those responsible for these abductions remained unknown at the time.
The previous day saw three additional kidnappings. Two victims were taken during an armed home invasion in the Buzito district of Kiwanja, while a third person was captured in the Majengo district of Kibirizi.
Also on Tuesday, a commercial goods truck, owned by local traders, came under attack on the Kanyabayonga-Rwindi road. Armed individuals opened fire, forcing the driver to stop the vehicle before they proceeded to seize its entire cargo. Fortunately, no casualties were reported during this particular incident.
The same day, a 22-year-old woman and her child tragically perished in Kiseguro village. Local accounts indicate they were fatally struck by stray bullets during intense confrontations between AFC-M23 rebels and FDLR combatants.
In a separate development, the Red Cross of the DRC confirmed the deaths of two of its dedicated volunteers. They were killed on June 16 while on a mission to oversee crucial drinking water supply projects in Kakumba village, located in Walungu territory, South Kivu.
Edgard Mateso, the National President of the Red Cross in the DRC, issued a strong condemnation of this attack, labeling it a severe breach of international humanitarian principles. He underscored that this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent dangers faced by humanitarian workers operating in the eastern parts of the country.
