DRC: Army-militia clashes in Kabasha (North Kivu) June 17-18

Event

Clashes between the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and militiamen broke out in Kabasha (North Kivu) June 17-18. Soldiers from the FARDC opened fire to halt unidentified Maï-Maï militiamen attempting to gain control of the city of Kabasha on Saturday, June 17. Clashes then resumed on Sunday, June 18. At least one soldier and 12 assailants were killed. The army is currently in control of the city, much of the population of which has fled to neighboring areas. Some detainees who escaped from Beni prison on June 11 were reportedly among those involved in the fighting.

Furthermore, a patrol from the UN Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) was ambushed by presumed Maï-Maï militiamen in Kabasha on June 17. Three peacekeepers were injured and at least five militiamen killed. 

Context

Numerous armed groups are active across the country, including the Maï-Maï ethnic-based self-defense militia groups. Violent clashes between these groups and government forces, as well as between rival groups, are common.

At least 930 detainees escaped from a prison in Beni (North Kivu) on June 11.

Advice

Those present in North Kivu are advised to be extremely vigilant as further violence may flare up without warning.

More generally, individuals in the DRC are advised to exercise caution and maintain a low profile at all times. For various security reasons, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the east and northeast of the country, including North Kivu.