MSF Convoy Attacked Near Kibirizi

February 20, 2026 - Rutshuru, North Kivu, DRC - An MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières) convoy carrying medical supplies was attacked on Wednesday, February 18, by armed men in Matin ya Moto, within Virunga National Park in the Rutshuru territory. The convoy was en route to the Kibirizi health zone in the Bwito chiefdom. During the attack, staff members were physically intimidated and had personal belongings seized; one team member sustained minor injuries. All MSF staff are reported safe and accounted for, and the medical supplies were successfully delivered. The ambush also affected other travelers on the route, with civilians being robbed. MSF emphasized its continued commitment to supporting vulnerable populations despite the persistent insecurity and called for the protection of humanitarian operations in the region. Local civil society notes that attacks on this strategic route are becoming increasingly frequent. Earlier, on February 1, another convoy traveling from Rutshuru to Butembo on the Rwindi-Kanyabayonga road was ambushed by unidentified armed men, in an area reportedly under AFC/M23 control at the time. This incident highlights ongoing risks to humanitarian missions and civilians in North Kivu, where armed groups frequently target convoys along key transport routes.

Faits rapportés

February 20, 2026 - Rutshuru, North Kivu, DRC - An MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières) convoy carrying medical supplies was attacked on Wednesday, February 18, by armed men in Matin ya Moto, within Virunga National Park in the Rutshuru territory. The convoy was en route to the Kibirizi health zone in the Bwito chiefdom. During the attack, staff members were physically intimidated and had personal belongings seized; one team member sustained minor injuries. All MSF staff are reported safe and accounted for, and the medical supplies were successfully delivered. The ambush also affected other travelers on the route, with civilians being robbed. MSF emphasized its continued commitment to supporting vulnerable populations despite the persistent insecurity and called for the protection of humanitarian operations in the region. Local civil society notes that attacks on this strategic route are becoming increasingly frequent. Earlier, on February 1, another convoy traveling from Rutshuru to Butembo on the Rwindi-Kanyabayonga road was ambushed by unidentified armed men, in an area reportedly under AFC/M23 control at the time. This incident highlights ongoing risks to humanitarian missions and civilians in North Kivu, where armed groups frequently target convoys along key transport routes.