DRC: At least 14 people killed in attack in North Kivu October 6-7

Event

Overnight (local time) on October 6-7, a suspected Maï-Maï militia attacked the village of Rubaya (North Kivu province), killing at least 14 people and injuring nine more. According to local sources, additional security forces have been deployed to the area. Nevertheless, further attacks by armed groups and local militias are possible in the area in the near-term.

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.