Suspicious Fire Burns Mavivi Airport in Beni, North Kivu

A deadly fire whose trigger hasn’t been established has razed through Mavivi Airport destroying some offices.

Major General Evariste Kakule Somo, military governor of North Kivu, visited the airport during the incident.

“The terminal building has been completely destroyed,” the Governor said while giving the preliminary assessment.

The waiting room, the administrative offices of the Civil Aviation Authority (RVA), and other buildings were all destroyed according to witnesses quoted by local media.

Firefighters were seen battling the fire to extinguish the blaze. Beyond the buildings, the material damage is extensive.

Several important documents and office equipment have been burnt. All this occurred while air traffic remained operational.

He added, “We are on site with all relevant partners, including MONUSCO, the judiciary, and the security services, to conduct an assessment.”

The military governor noted that investigations are underway to determine precisely the circumstances of what actually happened, “but it appears to be simply an accident and not an act of attack.”

He also said , “operations are continuing, planes are arriving, landing, and departing, and there have been no casualties.”

Previous similar attacks have been claimed by the AFC/M23 rebels especially twice against Kisangani Bangoka International airport.

Major General Evariste Kakule Somo, Military Governor of North Kivu denied that the incident wasn’t an attack.

“it appears to be simply an accident and not an act of attack. There was no attack, as you can see. The airport is open, operations are continuing, planes are arriving, landing, and departing,” he said.