Deadly Ambush in Virunga National Park Leaves Two Dead and Several Abducted

Busendo, Rutshuru, North Kivu April 4, 2026 - At least two people were killed and several others abducted on Saturday, April 4, after armed assailants ambushed a civilian convoy in the Busendo area inside Virunga National Park in Rutshuru Territory in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The attack targeted vehicles traveling along the Kiwanja-Butembo axis when unidentified armed men opened fire on passengers. Two victims died instantly, while another was seriously wounded, according to accounts from the scene. Several passengers were also taken hostage by the attackers, whose identity and whereabouts remain unknown, raising fears of further violence and insecurity for travelers using the route. The ambush occurred just weeks after transport services had resumed along the Kiwanja-Kanyabayonga road following a temporary suspension caused by persistent insecurity in the region. The area, which lies along a strategic corridor frequently affected by armed group activity, has experienced repeated attacks in recent months, further complicating efforts to restore safe civilian movement and stabilize transport networks in North Kivu Province.