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At least 44 civilians killed in ADF attacks on villages in eastern DR Congo’s Ituri province
Gunmen linked to the Allied Democratic Forces killed at least 44 civilians this week in raids on villages in Mambasa territory, Ituri province, using machetes and gunfire, according to humanitarian, security, and local officials.
A series of village raids in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo this week left at least 44 civilians dead, according to humanitarian and security sources, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Ituri province.
The attacks took place in Mambasa territory, a forested area of Ituri. Local official Gabriel Tonge said some victims were hacked to death with machetes and others were shot. The raids were attributed to gunmen linked to the ADF, an armed group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State in recent years.
The ADF originated as a Ugandan rebel movement but has entrenched itself in eastern Congo. It has been blamed for many killings of villagers, traders, and other civilians in Ituri and neighboring provinces.
For residents of the targeted villages, the immediate impact is deadly and disruptive. Survivors often flee their homes, abandoning farms and possessions, and seek safety in nearby forests or larger towns. Local health centers, which already struggle with limited resources, then face sudden waves of wounded people and families traumatized by close‑range violence.
The attacks also expose gaps in security coverage in Mambasa territory. Despite ongoing military operations in eastern DR Congo and international concern over the ADF threat, small armed units still appear able to move through remote areas, identify vulnerable communities, and carry out night‑time or early‑morning assaults.
These killings complicate efforts to stabilize eastern DR Congo and keep pressure on discussions about the future of regional and international deployments in the area. They also risk driving more displacement and deepening mistrust between communities and state authorities.
Key developments to watch include any change in army deployments around the affected villages, how quickly humanitarian organizations can access the area, and whether there are further reported ADF attacks closer to main roads, larger towns, or mining zones in Ituri.