ADF Rebels Kill 21 in Eastern DRC Over Christmas Week
The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group linked to the Islamic State (IS), have claimed the lives of at least 21 civilians during the Christmas week in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to local sources.
Timeline of Attacks
The assaults occurred near Manguredjipa, a town rich in mineral resources that has frequently been targeted by the ADF.
- December 21: The rebels attacked Robinet village in the Bapere sector of North Kivu province, killing six people.
- December 22: They moved to Kodjo, a neighboring village, where 12 people lost their lives.
- December 25 (Christmas Day): The fighters struck Makele, a village about seven kilometers (four miles) from Manguredjipa, killing three individuals.
Macaire Sivikunula, a local representative of the Bapere sector’s governor, confirmed these incidents, alongside multiple other sources.
Background on the ADF
Originally from Uganda, the ADF has operated in the DRC’s volatile northeastern region since the mid-1990s. They have been responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians over the years. In 2019, the group pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, which now refers to them as the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) and claims responsibility for some of their attacks.
Ongoing Military Efforts
In late 2021, Uganda and the DRC initiated a joint military campaign, dubbed “Shujaa,” to dismantle the ADF. However, the offensive has struggled to put an end to the violence. The rebels have scattered into remote areas, making it difficult for security forces to track them.
Macaire Sivikunula acknowledged that the presence of Ugandan and Congolese troops in Manguredjipa has not prevented attacks due to the rebels’ decentralized operations.
Broader Regional Challenges
North Kivu province is also facing additional conflict further south, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group continues to clash with the DRC’s army. Recent battles followed the collapse of a peace summit held in mid-December.
The eastern DRC, a region rich in mineral resources, has been mired in violence and infighting among various armed groups for decades, leaving civilians to bear the brunt of the conflict.
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