A Nurse and Red Cross Volunteer Arrested and Injured in Kalembe by Armed Fighters

Kalembe, Masisi, North Kivu March 31, 2026 - A nurse and a Red Cross volunteer were arrested and injured on Monday, March 30, in Kalembe, in the Mweso health zone of Masisi Territory in North Kivu Province, after being targeted by armed AFC/M23 fighters. The incident occurred at the Kalembe health center, where the head nurse, identified as Kapita Lucien, was reportedly beaten and shot in the hand during the attack. The local Red Cross coordinator, Byamungu Mauwa Samson, was also physically assaulted before both men were taken away on motorcycles to an unknown destination. The two humanitarian workers are alleged to have been accused-without evidence-of having links to AFC/M23. Their abduction has raised alarm among local residents, who fear for their safety and are calling for urgent intervention by humanitarian organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières, to secure their release. The incident has heightened concerns over the protection of medical and humanitarian personnel operating in conflict-affected areas of Masisi Territory, where insecurity remains widespread and access to health services is already severely constrained. No official response has yet been issued by AFC/M23 regarding the incident.