25 May 2018 | 03:56 PM UTC
DRC: Deadly clashes in Beni (North Kivu) May 24
Deadly clashes break out between between security forces and ADF militia in Beni (North Kivu) May 24; at least 19 people killed
Event
On Thursday, May 24, clashes broke out between the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and the Ugandan Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group on the Mbau-Kamango road in the Beni area of North Kivu. According to local sources, at least five soldiers and 14 rebels were killed. At least 13 soldiers and several other rebels were also wounded. Further military operations and retaliatory attacks by rebels are possible in the coming days.
Context
Beni has become one of the DRC's most violent regions. According to the Congo Research Group, the current a wave of killings - primarily machete attacks - has increased in recent years since October 2014; 180,000 people have also been displaced by the attacks. Most of this violence has been blamed on the ADF rebel group, which is based in the Beni region.
Advice
Those present in North Kivu are advised to avoid the Beni region due to significant security risks and to generally monitor the situation.
More generally, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the east and northeast of the country due to poor security conditions, including the presence of armed groups and a high risk of kidnapping. Professional security advice should be sought prior to travel.
