13 June 2023: In Fizi territory, South Kivu province, the head of HEKS EPER NGO was kidnapped by unidentified armed men while he was driving on a motorbike towards Lusenda. His travel companion was also kidnapped and tortured but released a few hours later. The perpetrators demanded $20,000 dollars to release the NGO head and claimed to have kidnapped the staff member following a disagreement with a road renovation project in the area. The staff member was released on 17 June after a ransom was reportedly negotiated and paid. Source: ACLED. Return to DRC home page.