Four people, including a priest, were kidnapped on Saturday, May 30, on the Kiwanja–Kanyabayonga road, in Virunga National Park, near Busendo, in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu. This act is attributed to unidentified armed men who continue to sow insecurity in this already fragile region.

According to local civil society, this kidnapping occurs in a context of rising criminal acts on this strategic route. This road is often used by travelers and freight transporters between Goma and Bunagana. The security situation on this route has been described as concerning by several local actors who are alerting to the lack of adequate protection.

The spokesperson for the governor of North Kivu confirmed this kidnapping and mentioned an ongoing military operation to attempt to free the hostages. However, he expressed concerns about the favorable outcome of this operation. "We are doing everything we can to find these people safe and sound," he stated.

This is not the first time kidnappings have been reported on this road. In our columns in March 2020, we reported that several other kidnapping cases had occurred, highlighting an alarming trend in the region. Previous dispatches have also noted that armed groups continue to operate with impunity despite the efforts of the Congolese armed forces.

Residents of Rutshuru live in constant fear of becoming victims of these criminal acts. Collected testimonies indicate that many hesitate to use this road for fear of being kidnapped or attacked. The tense atmosphere is reinforced by recurring conflicts between different armed groups seeking to control the region.

In light of this troubling situation, civil society is calling on authorities to intensify their efforts to restore security in the Rutshuru territory. They are also requesting better coordination among the various security forces to ensure effective protection for local populations.

As news regarding the kidnapped hostages is awaited, the international community is closely monitoring this situation, which highlights the persistent challenges faced by the Democratic Republic of Congo in terms of security and civilian protection.