DRC: Medecins Sans Frontieres withdraws from Fizi, South Kivu Province Dec. 3 due to increasing violence

Event

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has withdrawn from Fizi, South Kivu Province, as of Dec. 3 due to increased violence and attacks by several militia groups against the organization since the beginning of 2020. Violence has included the kidnapping of a volunteer for several days in June and increased threats against MSF. The MSF has transferred operations to the Ministry of Health in Kimbi and Baraka.

Advice

A number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the east and northeast of the country, including South Kivu, 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.