The compound of the MSF team in Walikale, in the eastern province of North Kivu of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was robbed during the night of June 28-29.

Several men, some of them wearing uniforms and weapons, pushed their way in and forced the handover of a significant amount of money. At the time as the looting, four MSF staff were present, two expats and the two guards.

One guard was beaten although not badly injured and the other guard and one of the expats was locked up.

The robbery has been reported to the authorities both in Walikale and Goma, were MSF requested a follow up from the authorities in trying to solve this crime.

In the aftermath the team received a lot of support of the local population, local authorities and health staff.

Despite the robbery the activities of MSF in and around Walikale will continue. MSF is present in Walikale since 2003 and supports the local hospital and several health clinics. Basic health care, surgery, maternal health care, vaccinations, treatment of sexually transmitted infections and of victims of sexual violence are the core activities.