Dozens Killed in Suspected DR Congo Rebel Attacks

By Caroline Ameh

The North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has once again become a scene of bloodshed as at least 35 civilians have been brutally killed in a wave of attacks over the past week.

This violence according to reports adds to the long-standing suffering endured by the region’s inhabitants, who have been caught in the crossfire of armed groups vying for control over lucrative gold and mineral deposits.

While the Congolese government has yet to officially attribute responsibility for the recent bloodshed, numerous local sources point to the Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) as the perpetrators. The ADF, notorious for its brutality, has been implicated in previous attacks in the region and is believed to be behind the recent spate of violence.

The attacks targeted several villages surrounding the city of Beni, prompting a mass exodus of terrified residents seeking refuge in supposed safe havens. Mamove district bore the brunt of the assault, with reports indicating not only a high death toll but also widespread destruction, including the torching of homes and theft of motorbikes.

Leon Siviwe, an administrative leader in Beni, expressed grave concerns about the escalating crisis, warning that the death toll could rise further as search operations continue and the displaced population seeks sanctuary elsewhere. The pervasive fear gripping the region underscores the dire need for immediate action to protect vulnerable communities.

The ADF’s origins trace back to eastern Uganda in the 1990s, where it initially clashed with the Ugandan government under President Yoweri Museveni, alleging persecution of Muslims. Over time, the group’s alliance with Islamic State has deepened, posing a grave threat not only to the DRC but to the broader region.

Despite joint military efforts by Ugandan and Congolese forces to combat the ADF insurgency since 2021, civilian populations remain vulnerable to attacks, highlighting the persistent challenges in restoring peace and stability to the region. Compounding the crisis, the resurgence of the M23 rebel group has further destabilized eastern DRC, exacerbating the plight of already beleaguered communities.

Amidst mounting tensions, accusations of external support for rebel groups, such as Rwanda’s alleged backing of the M23, have added another layer of complexity to the conflict.

While such claims are vehemently denied by Kigali, the repercussions of these allegations reverberate across the volatile landscape of eastern Congo, where lives hang in the balance amidst relentless violence.