KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Over the weekend, a violent attack by rebels affiliated with the Islamic State group resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals in the Mambimbi-Isigo village, located in the Lubero territory of North Kivu province. This incident was reported by military administrator Col. Alain Kiwewa Mitela on Monday.
The assault was executed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) early Saturday morning, with local residents facing brutal attacks involving both knives and firearms. Initial reports indicate that the rebels targeted farmers' fields before turning to civilians, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian situation in the area, according to Mitela.
Civil society activists noted the possibility of a higher death toll, as many civilians remain unaccounted for. Kinos Kitwa, the head of the civil society in Bapere, voiced concerns regarding the limited presence of Congolese army troops in the region, which may have contributed to the severity of the attack.
The ADF, active in eastern Congo and recognized for its allegiance to the Islamic State since 2019, has a history of violent extremism, predominantly targeting civilian populations. Since the beginning of 2023, reports indicate that ADF militants have killed at least 62 civilians in the Beni and Lubero territories, according to data from the North Kivu Provincial Civil Society Coordination.
This latest attack has led to significant displacement among local residents, further complicating the humanitarian crisis that has been unfolding in the region. The situation has garnered international attention, with U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix embarking on a two-day official visit to eastern Congo, including stops in Beni, which has faced recurrent violence from ADF insurgents.
The ADF originated in Uganda during the late 1990s, born from various disgruntled factions dissatisfied with President Yoweri Museveni's regime. It relocated to Congo in 2002 after military offensives by Uganda and has since been linked to the deaths of thousands of civilians. A particularly notable series of attacks occurred in July 2025, where ADF militants killed over 100 individuals.
In conclusion, the situation in eastern Congo remains precarious, with armed groups like the ADF continuing to pose a significant threat to the security and stability of the region. The ongoing violence and humanitarian challenges call for urgent international support and intervention in addressing the underlying issues and protecting affected communities.
