An armed attack on the Haut-Katanga governorate in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulted in two deaths on November 6, 2026. The incident occurred at around 10:00 AM near the main entrance of the governorate, located on Avenue Kabalo. According to eyewitnesses, an individual requested passage from a police officer stationed at the entrance, but was denied. The assailant then attacked the officer with a machete, took his firearm, and opened fire on other police officers present.
The police officer who was initially attacked succumbed to his injuries shortly after, while the assailant was killed in an exchange of fire with another officer. Several other police officers were reportedly injured, but an official casualty count has not been released. The attack led to a significant deployment of security forces, with a perimeter established around the governorate and police in civilian clothing visible in the area.
The identity and motivations of the assailant remain unclear, with varying accounts from witnesses describing him as a young man dressed in civilian clothing. Some reports suggest the individual may have been suffering from mental health issues, while others speculate he may have been a suspected Mai-Mai militant. However, these claims have not been confirmed, and an investigation is ongoing.
The attack prompted an emergency meeting of the provincial security council, convened by the governor of Haut-Katanga. The provincial minister of the interior announced that he would address the media after the meeting, but no official statement has been released. The incident has raised concerns about security in Lubumbashi, with residents expressing relief that calm has been restored.
The governorate's proximity to the city's central business district caused disruptions to traffic on Avenue Kasa-Vubu, with a section of the road closed for several hours. The police lifted the bodies of the victims and transported them to the morgue in a pickup truck. A military personnel present at the scene displayed the machete allegedly used in the attack.
The incident has sparked concerns about the potential for further violence in the region. The Mai-Mai militant group has been active in the area, and there are concerns that the attack may be linked to broader security challenges in the region. An investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the motivations behind the attack and identify the perpetrator.
The city of Lubumbashi remains on high alert, with security forces maintaining a visible presence in the area. Residents are calling for increased measures to ensure public safety, particularly in light of the recent attack. The provincial government has promised to take steps to enhance security and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- Two people, including a police officer, were killed in the attack on the Haut-Katanga governorate.
- The identity and motivations of the assailant remain unclear, with investigations ongoing.
- The incident has raised concerns about security in Lubumbashi and the potential for further violence in the region.
