DRC: Second MSF staff member killed

“We strongly condemn this terrible act, which cost our colleague his life,” says MSF’s country representative Emmanuel Lampaert. It also reflects the severely deteriorating security situation in North and South Kivu. “Week after week, our teams are not only witnesses but also victims of violent incidents targeting civilians, humanitarian workers and medical facilities. This must stop immediately.”

The nurse worked at the general referral hospital in Masisi. He is the second MSF staff member killed in the town over the past two months and the third shot dead in North Kivu province this year.

On 20 February, a radio operator at MSF’s base in central Masisi died after being shot in crossfire between VDP/Wazalendo and M23/Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) fighters. A few days later, another MSF worker died after being shot at his home in Goma. In the past few months, other staff members have been shot and wounded.
 

“Even in locations where armed clashes have ceased, insecurity is everywhere,” says Mathilde Guého, MSF head of programmes in North Kivu. “In addition to armed violence that directly affects our hospitals and bases, we are witnessing persistently high levels of crime . . . affecting civilians, especially at night: murders, sexual violence, gunshot wounds, extortion, home invasions, intimidation and more.”

In response to this series of violent incidents, 15 of which have directly affected MSF teams since January, MSF is calling on authorities to hold those carrying weapons accountable and to take immediate measures to ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers and to combat crime.

“We remind all parties—VDP/Wazalendo, AFC and the Congolese army and its allies—that the protection of civilians and their property in conflict zones is a legal obligation,” says Lampaert. “All relevant authorities must act urgently to uphold this responsibility.”

Almost 3,000 locally hired and international staff work for MSF alongside Ministry of Health staff to provide medical care in the DRC.