DRC: At least 20 civilians kidnapped in east since May 26

Event

At least 20 civilians have reportedly been kidnapped since the weekend of May 26-27 in the Rutshuru district of North Kivu province (east), as of Thursday, May 31. According to local sources, the abductions took place 75 km (45 mi) north of Goma (North Kivu) and ransoms are being demanded. Youth in Rutshuru have called for a day without work and peaceful march on Thursday to denounce the kidnappings.

Context

The government's limited presence in the DRC's eastern provinces, including North Kivu, 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 organizations have stated that security conditions in the Kivu regions present a major obstacle to 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.