3 travelers shot dead during militia ambush on motorcycle convoy in DR Congo

Three people, among them a local journalist, were killed in an armed ambush on Wednesday evening in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The attack occurred near Bitale in the Kalehe territory of South Kivu province, as a convoy of travelers was passing through the area.

The victims included Laurent Vainqueur Muliro, a reporter for the community radio station RTCWA, along with a student and a motorcycle taxi driver. According to local sources, the convoy was traveling from Goma toward Walikale via an alternative route through South Kivu after the main road had been closed by rebels. The attackers, suspected to be Wazalendo militiamen, opened fire on the travelers, fatally striking Muliro in the head and looting personal belongings and cash.

Two other travelers were seriously wounded in the incident and were taken to a hospital in Hombo Sud, where their condition was described as critical. The local press union branch in Walikale has condemned the killing and called for an investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.