DRC: Assailants attack convoy north of Goma, North Kivu, Feb. 22; Italian ambassador among the casualties

Event

Unidentified assailants attacked a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy traveling along the RN2 in the Nyiragongo area located north of Goma, Feb. 22. The attack left at least one person dead and several others injured. Among the casualties is the Italian ambassador to the DRC. The status of the ambassador is unclear with some reports suggesting he was killed and others, injured. The motive for the attack is also not clear. Rangers of the Virunga National Park and Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) personnel deployed to the incident site following the assault.

Heightened security measures are likely along the RN2 north of Goma through Feb. 22. Authorities may restrict movement along the route. Clashes between the assailants and security forces are possible.

Context

Several armed groups operate throughout North Kivu, especially in areas bordering Rwanda and Uganda. Clashes between insurgents, FARDC troops, and Virunga rangers occur regularly in the Beni, Masisi, Nyiragongo, Rutshuru, and Walikale territories.

Advice

Avoid travel along the RN2 north of Goma in the coming hours. Heed the directives of the authorities. Contact local officials before departing Goma by ground. Exercise a high level of personal security awareness and caution in the impact region.