DRC: Maï-Maï militia attacks UN base in North Kivu Oct. 6

Event

UN officials reported that a peacekeeping base in North Kivu province was attacked by suspected Maï-Maï gunmen on Friday, October 6. Around 30 militants were involved in the assault on the base in Lubero, which was repelled by the UN forces. At least two attackers were killed and two UN soldiers were slightly wounded.

Context

Lubero is located approximately 300 km (185 mi) north of Goma. Congolese forces have increased operations against the militia after its fighters attacked the city of Uvira (South Kivu) on Friday, September 29. The Congolese soldiers, supported by UN peacekeepers, were able to repel the militants. A military spokesman said that at least 34 Maï-Maï militia members have been killed in the past week. The Maï-Maï typically do not directly target UN forces and the October 6 attack may be in response to the fighting in Uvira.   

Numerous armed groups are active across the DRC, including the ethnic-based Maï-Maï self-defense militias. Violent clashes between these groups and government forces, as well as between rival groups, are common.

Advice

Those present in North Kivu are advised to avoid the area and monitor the situation.

For various security reasons, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to much of the country, including North Kivu. Professional security advice should be sought prior to travel.