Armed Men Kill Two Red Cross Volunteers in DR Congo’s South Kivu
Red Cross condemns attack as insecurity in eastern Congo continues to threaten humanitarian operations
- Two Red Cross volunteers killed in South Kivu, DR Congo
- Attack occurred while they were on a humanitarian water project.
- Red Cross condemns killings and calls for better protection of aid workers
Two Red Cross volunteers have been killed by unidentified armed men while carrying out humanitarian work in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the organisation confirmed on Wednesday.
The attack occurred on June 16 in Kakumba village in Walungu territory, South Kivu province, where the volunteers were engaged in efforts to improve access to safe drinking water for vulnerable communities.
The Congo Red Cross strongly condemned the killings, stressing that the victims were operating under recognised humanitarian protection while serving affected civilians.
“Violence against humanitarian personnel undermines humanitarian interventions and affects assistance to vulnerable populations,” the organisation said.
The statement called for stronger protection of aid workers, warning that persistent insecurity in eastern Congo continues to disrupt relief operations in already fragile communities.
The Red Cross paid tribute to the deceased volunteers and reaffirmed its commitment to continue humanitarian work despite ongoing security risks in the region.
Eastern DR Congo has long been plagued by armed conflict involving various rebel groups, local militias, and government forces. Violence has escalated in recent months, particularly clashes between AFC/M23 rebels and Congolese troops supported by the pro-government Wazalendo militia.
