Hey Everyone,

I would like to apologize for the delay but as some of you may already know, a lot of things have been happening with falling whistle lately which have demanded my attention in other areas. Moving on from that, I have an important story to inform you guys concerning Eastern Congo.

On Tuesday the 4^th, a vehicle carrying members from the Eben Ezer NGO was attacked in Echibe located in the Fizi Territory “South Kivu, Easter Congo”. The vehicle contained fourteen members of the organization, and was on his way to higher plateau from Uvira. According to the territory administrator, seven members were killed; three are seriously injured and currently in a hospital for treatment, and three women were kidnapped. Radiookapi “UN Radio” reported that the attacks were orchestrated by a combination of militias containing Mai Mai Yakutumba combatants, the National Front for Liberation “FNL, Burundian rebels”, and FDLR soldiers “Rwandan Hutu Rebels”.  Before this attack, a civilian, soldier, and police officer were also murdered in the process. The Congolese army has so far killed three of the rebel gunmen. No official statement by the Congolese central government has been released yet.

These types of attacks raise major concerns for the security of individuals but also for the upcoming elections in November. The government has been firm to pronounce that the country is at peace, but with these occurrences, and mass prison evasions in Lubumbashi “Southern Congo, Katanga” and Kisangani “North Eastern Congo, Oriental Province”, the government and the Monusco “UN troops” should strengthen their capabilities to better protect civilians.     

Peace for all,

 Leny