A kamikaze drone struck the headquarters of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) in Rumangabo, located in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu, on Sunday, May 24. According to local sources, the attack occurred around 10 a.m.

The military spokesperson in the region confirmed this attack on the airwaves of Radio Okapi. He specified that several suspected members of the armed groups responsible for this operation had been captured by security forces. However, he was unable to immediately determine whether military personnel or civilians had lost their lives in this attack.

This drone incursion comes amid an already tense situation in North Kivu, where clashes between Congolese armed forces and various armed groups are increasing. Recent incidents, such as the attack by armed men in Rutshuru that resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a soldier, reflect an escalation of violence in the region (see our related articles).

The ICCN headquarters is a strategic site for biodiversity conservation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Institute plays a crucial role in protecting national parks and endangered species. The attack could have repercussions on conservation efforts in an area already affected by conflict.

Local and national authorities now face a complex situation where the security of public facilities and civilians is at stake. Civil society in North Kivu had already expressed concerns regarding the growing insecurity in the region, calling for more measures to protect vulnerable populations.