STRATEGIC WARNING NOTICE: Security Incident – Lusinga, Upemba National Park Headquarters, Haut-Katanga, DRC

African Security Analysis (ASA) is assessing credible field reports that a serious security incident took place on the morning of Tuesday, 3 March 2026, at Lusinga, the headquarters of Upemba National Park (UNP) in Haut-Katanga Province, southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Upemba National Park, located in the Upemba Depression, is one of the DRC’s oldest protected areas. It lies within a sensitive ecological and administrative corridor between Lubumbashi and the wider Katanga region. In addition to its environmental importance, the park represents a visible state presence in a historically insecure area.

Incident Overview

According to ASA field sources, armed elements identified as Bakata Katanga militia reportedly carried out a coordinated assault on the Lusinga headquarters. The attackers are assessed to have temporarily overrun the site, looted supplies including weapons, ammunition, and food, and abducted civilian staff and park personnel.

ASA sources report six fatalities linked to the assault.

Among those reportedly abducted is Ms. Christine (“Tina”) Lain, Director and Park Manager of Upemba National Park under the Forgotten Parks Foundation. Originally from North Holland, the Netherlands, Ms. Lain has worked in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the wider Great Lakes region since 2008 and is regarded as a highly experienced field operator in conflict-affected environments.

At this stage, Congolese local authorities have not formally confirmed her hostage status, citing communication disruptions and restricted physical access to the affected area. Independent verification remains ongoing.

Armed Actor Assessment – Bakata Katanga

Bakata Katanga is a Congolese armed movement historically active in Haut-Katanga and neighbouring provinces, advocating a secessionist agenda centered on Katangan autonomy.

The group is widely known for violent and coercive tactics, including attacks on state institutions, security forces, and strategic infrastructure. Although internally fragmented, some factions retain the ability to mobilize armed units capable of coordinated, high-impact operations.

The attack on a high-value conservation and administrative site such as Upemba National Park may indicate a deliberate show of force, an attempt to signal intent to provincial authorities, or exploitation of local security weaknesses.

Strategic Outlook

This incident underscores the continued fragility of the security environment in southern DRC and highlights the exposure of conservation and governance actors operating in contested areas. Any sustained militia presence or prolonged hostage situation could have wider implications for provincial stability and confidence in local security arrangements.

ASA liaison officers are monitoring developments closely and remain in contact with regional sources to refine situational awareness and threat assessment.

Further updates will follow as additional information is independently verified.

— End of Strategic Warning Notice —