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. 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. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
