Violent Attacks by Suspected ADF Rebels Claim Over 80 Lives in North Kivu, DRC

In Summary

• Over 80 civilians killed between May 4 and May 7 in Baswagha-Madiwe group, Beni territory.
• An additional 30 civilians killed in Masau, Mununze, Kabweke, and Manlese in the past two weeks.
• Large-scale displacement with populations fleeing to Kyatsaba, Beni, and Mabalako, overwhelming local hospitals.
• Since May 3, a total of 123 civilians reported killed in various regions by ADF rebels.

GOMA, Democratic Republic of the Congo—Atleast 80 people were killed between Tuesday, May 4, and Friday, May 7, in attacks by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the villages of the Baswagha-Madiwe group, Beni territory (North Kivu), in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The attacks primarily occurred on Friday night in the villages of Masala, Mapasana, and Mahini and were attributed to the ADF according to Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay, an army spokesman in Congo’s North Kivu province.

Recent Surge in Violence

These recent attacks add to the violence experienced in the region, with the ADF rebels also responsible for the deaths of 30 other civilians in Masau, Mununze, Kabweke, and Manlese in the past two weeks. The assailants did not just take lives but also stole 25 motorcycles and set fire to several houses during their incursions.

Mass Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis

The populations of the attacked entities fled their homes to seek refuge in Kyatsaba, neighborhoods in the western part of the city of Beni, and Mabalako. The General Reference Hospital in Mabalako is now overwhelmed with patients, including the injured, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from these attacks.

Increasing Casualties

Since May 3, the civil society of Beni territory has reported that 123 civilians have been killed in various attacks attributed to ADF rebels in the Bapakombe-Pendekali region, Mangina, Mantumbi, Kudukudu, Kalmango, and Beu-Manyama. This surge in violence has significantly destabilized the region, which is already fraught with conflict and insecurity.

ADF's Ongoing Terror

The ADF, now based in eastern Congo, has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and frequently mounts attacks, further destabilizing a region where numerous militant groups are active. Their continued aggression not only leads to loss of life but also disrupts the lives of thousands, creating a dire need for humanitarian assistance and increased security measures.

Call for International Attention

This wave of violence calls for urgent international attention and intervention to address the escalating humanitarian crisis and restore peace in the region. The plight of the affected communities and the relentless attacks by militant groups like the ADF depict the ongoing challenges in achieving stability in the DRC.

The international community, alongside regional authorities, must collaborate to implement effective strategies to combat these militant groups and provide necessary aid to the displaced populations.