KINSHASA, Congo (AP) – An alarming wave of violence erupted in Congo as an Islamic State-affiliated group attacked villages near the Uganda border, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 individuals. The onslaught involved the burning and looting of homes, as reported by a local civil society group on Friday.
The attacks were executed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) overnight from Wednesday to Thursday afternoon. Charité Banza, the leader of the Ituri civil society group, along with Kinos Katua, a member based in the affected area, detailed the tragic events. Banza revealed that 25 victims were reported dead in border villages located within the Beni territory of North Kivu, while another 15 individuals lost their lives in Ituri province. The situation remains dire, as several residents are still unaccounted for, raising concerns that the death toll could climb further, according to Katua.
The ADF, which has its origins in Uganda and has sworn allegiance to the Islamic State group since 2019, has maintained a consistent presence in the border region, often launching attacks against civilians. In a recent report released earlier this week, Amnesty International condemned the ADF, accusing the group of "war crimes and crimes against humanity." This highlights the grave nature of the violence inflicted by the ADF, which is one among many armed factions operating within Congo's volatile landscape.
The ADF is notorious for its brutal tactics and has routinely targeted civilian populations. A particularly harrowing incident occurred in July 2025, when the group was responsible for the deaths of 66 people in eastern Congo, a massacre that the United Nations termed a "bloodbath." This incident serves as a chilling reminder of the ongoing conflict and the acute dangers faced by communities in the region.
Beyond the immediate threat posed by the ADF, Congo is grappling with the presence of approximately 100 other rebel groups. Among these, the most prominent is the M23 rebel group, which has received backing from Rwanda and has managed to seize control of significant urban areas in the eastern part of the country. This multifaceted conflict complicates efforts to stabilize the region and protect vulnerable populations from escalating violence.
The situation in Congo remains critical as ongoing attacks and the actions of various armed groups contribute to a continuing cycle of violence and insecurity for its citizens. With international observers and humanitarian organizations raising alarms about the crisis, the need for strategic intervention and support has never been more urgent.
