In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), an MSF truck transporting medical supplies was ambushed on February 18, 2026, by armed individuals in Mayi ya Moto within the Rutshuru territory. This region is under the control of the politico-military group AFC/M23 and the truck was en route to Kibirizi health zone. Local sources indicate that the assault was aimed not only at the MSF vehicle but also at another NGO truck and private individuals using the same road.

Determining the perpetrators of this attack remains challenging at this time. The area was previously controlled by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu rebel group originally formed by former Rwandan genocidaires, before coming under the control of the AFC/M23. This context is significant as it highlights the ongoing instability in Rutshuru and the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in the region, making it difficult for them to deliver essential aid to communities in need.

The escalation of violence against humanitarian convoys in eastern DRC raises serious concerns about the security situation and the protection of aid workers. With the ongoing armed conflicts, incidents like these could severely disrupt humanitarian efforts, exacerbating the plight of the vulnerable populations that depend on such assistance. Authorities and international organizations are likely to raise alarms over the security conditions in the region, calling for more effective measures to safeguard humanitarian missions against such attacks.