Escalating violence in north kivu leaves several dead and abducted

The security situation continues to deteriorate in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu, where at least ten people have been kidnapped, two others killed, and numerous properties looted between Tuesday and Wednesday, June 24, according to local humanitarian organisations.

The incidents, recorded in at least six localities, include abductions, armed robberies on roads, armed incursions into homes, and clashes between armed groups. Humanitarian organisations are calling for a swift restoration of security in this part of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

On Wednesday morning, between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., at least seven people were abducted on the Kibirizi-Rwindi roads, near Butindiri, and on the Kibirizi-Kibingu road. Among the victims are three motorcycle-taxi drivers and their passengers. The attackers also seized at least 18 packages of fish being transported from Vitshumbi. The identities of the perpetrators remain unknown.

The previous day, three other individuals were kidnapped. Two were taken during an armed raid on a home in Buzito neighbourhood, Kiwanja, while a third was captured in Majengo neighbourhood, Kibirizi.

Also on Tuesday, a goods truck belonging to traders was attacked on the Kanyabayonga-Rwindi road. Armed men opened fire to force the driver to stop, then stole the cargo. No casualties were reported in that attack.

The same day, a 22-year-old woman and her child died in Kiseguro village. Local sources say they were fatally hit by stray bullets during clashes between AFC-M23 rebels and FDLR fighters.

Separately, the Red Cross of the DRC announced the deaths of two of its volunteers, killed on June 16 in Walungu territory, South Kivu. The victims were on a mission to oversee drinking water supply work in Kakumba village when they were attacked.

The national president of the Red Cross in DRC, Edgard Mateso, strongly condemned the attack, calling it a serious violation of international humanitarian principles. He stressed that this tragedy highlights the ongoing risks facing humanitarian workers in eastern DRC.