DRC: Militia attacks Uvira (South Kivu) Sep. 27-28

Event

According to local reports, Maï-Maï militiamen launched an assault 5 km (3 mi) outside the city of Uvira (South Kivu) at dawn on Wednesday, September 27, before being repelled by armed forces. The group has reportedly continued to advance its attack on the city as of Thursday, moving by boat.  The army has launched a counter-attack, engaging in heavy gunfire. Electricity to the city has reportedly been cut off and residents have been mostly confined to their homes. Further details may emerge throughout the day as the situation is ongoing.

Context

Numerous armed groups are active across the DRC, 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. Local reporting suggests that the armed Maï-Maï militia group involved in the September 27-28 clashes, led by William Yakutumba, took control of nearby Mboko on September 24. The Yakatumba group, formed in 2007, is opposed to the rule of President Joseph Kabila. In late June, the group seized control of several towns following clashes with the army.

The security situation in the east of the country, including South Kivu, is particularly worrisome.

Advice

Those present in South Kivu are advised to avoid the area and monitor the situation.

For various security reasons, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to much of the country, and professional security advice should be sought prior to travel.