Bridge Collapse in Mambasa Halts Traffic on RN44, Disrupts Military and Economy

Traffic has ground to a halt on the RN44 in Mambasa after the Ituri 2 bridge collapsed Sunday, June 7, 2026. The vital structure connects the North Kivu and Ituri provinces and gave way under a cargo truck.

This major incident severely disrupts military operations against ADF rebels and the economic supply of several provinces. The Ituri 2 bridge had been rehabilitated only two years prior by the Office des routes, funded by the government. However, the Mambasa civil society reported repeated warnings about the bridge's authorized tonnage being ignored.

Civil society representatives attribute the collapse to the "lethargy" of responsible services. The bridge's failure directly hampers the mobility of the FARDC, making rapid interventions difficult, particularly toward Biakato where ADF rebel activity has intensified. Local sources also fear the collapse will limit the transport of medical personnel and supplies to Ebola outbreak zones.

"Really, we regret this bridge that has collapsed again in less than two years. This will further impact the population's economy," said Marie-Noëlle Anotane, a civil society representative. "Military authorities will struggle to intervene quickly in this area plagued by the ADF. We call on the authorities to take this situation seriously."

The economic impact is significant, disrupting the flow of goods from North Kivu to numerous towns in Ituri, Tshopo, and Haut-Uele. These regions rely heavily on this route for their supplies. The civil society is urging the government to act swiftly to restore traffic on this essential road.

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Really, we regret this bridge that has collapsed again in less than two years. This will further impact the population's economy. Military authorities will struggle to intervene quickly in this area plagued by the ADF. We call on the authorities to take this situation seriously.