In a harrowing attack in the northeast Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the army has confirmed that at least 43 people have been killed by a rebel group. The incident occurred in Bafwakoa, within the Mambasa territory of the province of Ituri. Regional army spokesperson Lieutenant Jules Tshikudi Ngongo reported the tragic details, stating that the attack resulted in the loss of 43 lives and the torching of 44 houses.
The attackers are believed to be members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group that has aligned itself with ISIL (ISIS). The ADF, which is led by former Ugandan rebels, has been a persistent challenge for the Congolese army. They are currently engaged in battles against multiple rebel groups in the eastern region, with the Rwandan-backed M23 being the most prominent. The M23 seized control of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, and several other major cities last year.
Territorial administrator of Mambasa, Baptiste Munyapandi, informed Reuters that search operations are ongoing, and the death toll may increase. The attack was particularly brutal, with houses being set ablaze, some victims being killed with machetes, and others perishing in the flames. Additionally, two individuals were abducted during the assault. Christian Alimasi, a local customary official in Mambasa territory, shared these details with Reuters.
The presence of the ADF in the DRC is significant, although the exact number of fighters is unknown. In recent months, the ADF has intensified its attacks on civilians in parts of Ituri and the neighboring North Kivu province. Despite joint military operations against the group initiated in 2021 by the Congolese and Ugandan armies, the ADF continues to pose a threat.
Last year, the group was responsible for the deaths of 66 people and the abduction of several others in a neighboring area. Ngongo, the Congolese army spokesperson, commented on the nature of the ADF’s tactics, stating that they avoid direct combat with the army and instead target the civilian population, which sabotages peace efforts and serves as revenge against the local populace. According to Insecurity Insight, a research organization, the ADF accounted for approximately a quarter of reported violence against civilians in eastern DRC between 2020 and 2025.
Source: aljazeera
