SAA event in Kiwanja–Kanyabayonga road area, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the on Sun 16th August 2026

‎On Sunday 16 August 2026, nearly ten travellers were taken hostage by armed men on the Kiwanja–Kanyabayonga road, near Mabenga, in Virunga National Park, in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu. ‎ ‎

According to Aimé Mbusa Mukanda, one of the community leaders in Rutshuru territory, the abductees, who were travelling from Butembo to Goma, were travelling in a minibus. Other passengers had their belongings stolen during the abduction. ‎

‎“Almost ten travellers were abducted on the Butembo–Goma road by armed men. These bandits robbed other passengers of their belongings before heading off to an unknown destination,” he explained. ‎ ‎

The community leader states that, to date, no contact has been made between the kidnappers and the families of those abducted. He is therefore calling on the central government to intervene to secure their release. ‎ ‎

This abduction comes just a few days after another incident reported in Vitshumbi on 8 August, in which three civilians were kidnapped by armed men.