DRC: Kidnapped Congolese aid worker released Feb. 19 /update 1

Event

On Monday, February 19, unidentified armed men released a Congolese aid worker, previously kidnapped on February 17 during an attack in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu. The aid worker was employed by Hydraulique Sans Frontières, a French NGO specializing in water purification projects. It is unclear if a ransom was paid.

Context

The government's limited presence in the eastern provinces, as well as the presence of numerous armed groups and local self-defense militias (Maï-Maï militias) have led to continued insecurity in the area. In 2017, North and South Kivu provinces recorded an increase in armed group activities. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has stated that security conditions in North Kivu present a major obstacle in delivering humanitarian assistance to those in need as kidnappings, including of Congolese and foreign aid workers, are frequent in the region.

Advice

Those present in North Kivu are advised to monitor the situation and to maintain contact with their home governments (adhere to any official directives).

More generally, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the east and northeast of the country due to poor security conditions, including the presence of armed groups and a high risk of kidnapping. Professional security advice should be sought prior to travel.