A rebel group affiliated with the Islamic State, known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), killed at least 22 people during a series of attacks in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The violence occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday across eight different locations within the Mambasa territory of Ituri province, according to reports from two civil society and human rights monitoring organizations.
In addition to the confirmed deaths, at least 10 individuals were abducted by the attackers. Marie-Noelle Anatobe, the coordinator of the Civil Society of Congo in Mambasa territory, noted that the death toll remains provisional. Anatobe also reported that the perpetrators set fire to homes and motorcycles during the raids. The attacks took place in remote, nearly inaccessible areas situated near the border between Uganda and Congo.
The ADF, which originated in Uganda, has operated in the border region with Congo for years, frequently targeting civilians. The group officially pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State in 2019. Although both the Ugandan and Congolese armies have conducted joint operations to combat the group, they have long struggled to neutralize the threat. Residents in the region often report that the military is absent during these attacks.
Rams Malikidogo, a coordinator for the Association for the Protection and Defense of Vulnerable Children and Women in Mambasa, described the aftermath of the violence, stating, “This morning, we were left only to count the dead. It is truly deplorable.” This latest incident follows a series of attacks last year in the Irumu territory of Ituri, which the United Nations previously characterized as a “bloodbath.”
