DRC: Two British tourists missing in Virunga park May 11

Event

UK government officials reports two British tourists are reportedly missing following an attack by unidentified armed men on a convoy in Virunga National Park (North Kivu) on Friday, May 11. According to local sources, one park ranger was killed in the attack. Details are still emerging.

Context

On April 9, suspected Maï-Maï militiamen ambushed a vehicle belonging to park rangers in Virunga National Park (North Kivu), killing five park rangers and their driver.

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.