DRC: Unidentified gunmen kill seven in Goma April 29

Event

On Sunday, April 29, two unidentified gunmen opened fire on a crowd of people in the city of Goma (North Kivu), killing at least seven people and wounding 18 more. According to local sources, the attack took place on the Masisi road in the Mugunga suburb of Goma. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of Tuesday, May 1.

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.