Violence escalates in North Kivu as abductions and killings surge

The security situation continues to deteriorate in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu, where at least ten people were abducted, two others killed, and multiple items looted between Tuesday and Wednesday, June 24. Local humanitarian groups report incidents across at least six localities, including kidnappings, highway robberies, armed home invasions, and clashes between armed groups. Urgent calls are being made to restore safety in this eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

On Wednesday morning, between 9 and 10 a.m., at least seven individuals were taken from the Kibirizi-Rwindi road near Butindiri and the Kibirizi-Kibingu road. Among the victims were three motorcycle taxi drivers and their passengers. The assailants also seized at least 18 parcels of fish being transported from Vitshumbi. The identity of the perpetrators remains unknown.

The previous day, three others were kidnapped. Two were abducted during an armed attack on a home in the Buzito neighborhood of Kiwanja, while the third was captured in the Majengo area of Kibirizi.

Also on Tuesday, a truck carrying goods for local traders was ambushed on the Kanyabayonga-Rwindi route. Armed men opened fire to force the driver to stop before stealing the cargo. No casualties were reported in that attack.

The same day, a 22-year-old woman and her child died in the village of Kiseguro. Local sources indicate they were fatally struck by stray bullets during clashes between AFC-M23 rebels and FDLR fighters.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross in DRC announced the deaths of two of its volunteers on June 16 in Walungu territory, South Kivu. They were supervising a drinking water supply project in Kakumba village when they were attacked. National Red Cross president Edgard Mateso strongly condemned the attack, calling it a grave violation of international humanitarian principles. He highlighted that the tragedy underscores the constant risks faced by humanitarian workers in the eastern part of the country.

By Claire Mvondo — Security and State Policy Expert