DRC: Rebels attack one of Kabila’s residences near Beni March 29

Event

Security officials confirmed that local Maï-Maï militiamen attacked one of President Joseph Kabila's residences near the town of Beni (North Kivu) on Thursday, March 29. According to local sources, President Kabila was not present at the time of the attack. Congolese security forces managed to repel the militiamen; at least one soldier was killed in the clashes.

Context

The government's limited presence in the DRC's 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. Humanitarian organization have stated that security conditions the Kivu regions 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 area.

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.