Another attack attributed to armed men was reported on the morning of Monday 23 March 2026 on National Road 2 (RN2), near Rumangabo, in the heart of Virunga National Park.

According to local sources, a public transport vehicle, commonly known as a ‘Ya leo leo’, was targeted by unidentified assailants. The assailants reportedly opened fire on the driver before abducting other passengers.

At this stage, the exact toll of the attack remains unclear. Several passengers are reported missing. A voice message, attributed to one of the victims of this attack, is currently circulating on social media. In the recording, a voice, clearly under duress, appeals for help to their loved ones, asking for urgent intervention.

However, the authenticity of this message has not yet been formally established, and the exact circumstances of its recording remain unknown.

This attack comes against a backdrop of rising insecurity along this strategic route linking the city of Goma to the city of Butembo. Over the past weekend, other similar incidents were reported in the towns of Rwindi and Busendo, also on the RN2.

The perpetrators of these attacks have not yet been identified, and no official statement has been issued by the relevant authorities to date.

According to local sources, a public transport vehicle, commonly known as a ‘Ya leo leo’, was targeted by unidentified assailants. The attackers reportedly opened fire on the driver before abducting other passengers.

At this stage, the exact toll of the attack remains unclear. Several passengers are reported missing. A voice message, attributed to one of the victims of this attack, is currently circulating on social media. In the recording, a voice, clearly under duress, appeals to relatives for help, asking for urgent intervention.

However, the authenticity of this message has not yet been formally established, and the exact circumstances of its recording remain unknown.

This attack comes against a backdrop of rising insecurity along this strategic route linking the city of Goma to the city of Butembo. Over the past weekend, other similar incidents were reported in the towns of Rwindi and Busendo, also on the RN2.

The perpetrators of these attacks have not yet been identified, and no official statement has been issued by the relevant authorities to date.

As a reminder, a few months ago, aid workers travelling from Vitshumbi to Kibirizi were also attacked in this area whilst on their way to the field for a humanitarian intervention mission.

Written by Akilimali Chomachoma