A further attack was reported on National Road 2 (RN2), on the Kiwanja–Kanyabayonga route, in Rutshuru territory, on Sunday 22 March 2026. According to corroborating sources, an estimated sum of nearly 70,000 US dollars was looted by unidentified armed men.
According to initial reports, this money was a salary allocation intended for the payment of teachers in the territory of Idjwi, in South Kivu province. The money was being transported from the Far North, where some school heads have been collecting their staff’s salaries since the closure of several banks in certain areas, following the occupation of the towns of Goma and Bukavu by the M23, supported by the Rwandan army.
The attack took place in the vicinity of Rwindi, near the former eco-guard station of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), in the early afternoon.
Furthermore, another armed robbery was reported on Sunday in Busendo, at a location commonly known as ‘Ka abula’, situated within Virunga National Park. These incidents come amid a continuing deterioration in security along this strategic route.
The RN2, particularly the Kiwanja–Kanyabayonga section, as well as the Vitshumbi–17 km and Rwindi–Kibirizi sections, has become the scene of almost daily acts of banditry. Road users complain of persistent insecurity, marked by repeated ambushes and looting.
Around a week ago, other similar incidents had already been reported in the area. Members of a CBCA choir, travelling from Vitshumbi, had their belongings stolen, including money, luggage and even fish purchased during their stay at a local fishery.
At this stage, the perpetrators of these various attacks have not yet been identified. No official statement has been issued by the M23 rebels who control these roads.
Given this situation, travelling along the Kiwanja–Kanyabayonga route is becoming increasingly risky for users, who are forced to travel in fear on a road that is nevertheless essential for the movement of people and goods in the region.
Written by Akilimali Chomachoma
