A humanitarian convoy was attacked on the evening of Sunday, June 30th, in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The convoy, operated by the British NGO TearFund, was returning from the Lubero territory when it was ambushed near the city of Butembo. At least two aid workers were killed, and five vehicles were set ablaze by unidentified youths.
The attack occurred amidst heightened tensions due to the advance of M23 rebels, who are supported by Rwanda, against the Congolese army, which is bolstered by local armed groups. This incident marks the first attack on a humanitarian organization in an area already suffering from a severe humanitarian crisis. Mathe Saanane, president of Butembo’s civil society, stated that the convoy encountered a patrol of youths who were conducting rounds to prevent the entry of M23 rebels into the city.
In a statement, TearFund confirmed that two of its staff members are missing. “We are working closely with authorities to locate them,” the NGO added. Given the substantial humanitarian needs due to the influx of displaced persons from ongoing conflicts, Lubero territory administrator Colonel Alain Kiwewa urged the youth not to target humanitarian workers. “I regret the behavior of our youths. I tell them that humanitarians are not our enemies. They are not the target. Our target is the M23, which is our common enemy,” he declared.
Since late last week, M23 rebels have captured several towns in the Lubero territory. Last month, the International Committee of the Red Cross suspended its food distribution activities for displaced populations due to the intensifying clashes.
Fighting between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army continued on Monday in both Lubero and the neighboring Masisi territory, where four civilians were killed. The ongoing violence underscores the fragile and volatile situation in the region, complicating humanitarian efforts and exacerbating the plight of affected communities.