ADF Terrorists Kill Civilians in Eastern DRC

At least 31 civilians have been killed in a series of attacks carried out by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to local leaders and security sources.

The attacks occurred between Wednesday and Monday in Mambasa territory of Ituri Province, where the armed group has intensified assaults on rural communities in recent days. Jospin Paluku, a local civil society leader, said at least 31 people had been confirmed dead. At the same time, a security source indicated the death toll could be closer to 50 as authorities continued to assess the impact of the violence.

The deadliest assault was reported on Friday in the mining village of Njiapanda-Bela, where at least 18 people were killed. The ADF also attacked several communities in the Babila Babombi area during the latest wave of violence, forcing many residents to flee.

Residents said the group has increasingly demanded so-called “protection” payments from cocoa farmers and miners working in the area. Those unable to provide proof of payment were reportedly executed. One farmer told AFP he had paid 10 US dollars to the militants and received a token as evidence, while another resident said anyone found without the token risked being killed.

Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly Ituri and North Kivu provinces, has experienced decades of conflict involving numerous armed groups competing for control of mineral-rich areas. Uganda has maintained troops in parts of the region since 2021 in support of Congolese military operations against the ADF. Authorities have not announced any new security measures following the latest attacks.

SOURCE: AFP