DRC: Fighting in Butembo leaves at least nine dead May 8 /update 7

Event

Fighting between security forces and suspected Maï-Maï militiamen left at least nine people dead in Butembo (North Kivu province) on Wednesday, May 8, including one police officer and eight militiamen. The clashes broke out after the assailants attempted to infiltrate the city, with security forces reportedly halting the attack before the militiamen could reach Ebola treatment centers - frequent targets of recent attacks in the area.

Attacks targeting healthcare workers and facilities remain possible in North Kivu province over the near term.

Context

Ebola treatment facilities in Butembo have been repeatedly attacked by militants operating in the area in recent weeks. In a related incident, suspected militiamen assaulted an Ebola treatment center in Butembo on April 19, killing one World Health Organization (WHO) responder and wounding two others. According to local officials, the gunmen attempted to burn down the center in Katwa district before being repelled by security forces.

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 have led to continued insecurity in the area. Humanitarian organizations have stated that security conditions in North and South Kivu provinces 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

Individuals in North Kivu province are advised to monitor the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and take measures to prevent contraction and spread of Ebola virus disease (EVD).