DRC: At least five people killed in North Kivu on October 9

Event

At approximately 06:00 (local time) on Tuesday, October 9, Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) fighters attacked a military outpost in the village of Mayimoya located near Beni (North Kivu), reportedly driving back Congolese soldiers. Also on October 9, suspected ADF fighters attacked a civilian convoy on Route Nationale 4, between Beni and Ituri, killing at least five people. Similar rebel attacks are possible in North Kivu over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The ADF is a Ugandan Islamist militant group that has been active in North Kivu province since the late 1990s. Notably, the group is suspected of having carried out an attack on UN peacekeepers in Beni territory (North Kivu province) in December 2017, killing at least 15 peacekeepers and wounding some 53 others. In general, the Congolese government's limited presence in the eastern provinces, including North Kivu, as well as the presence of numerous armed groups (such as the ADF) and local self-defense militias (Maï-Maï militias) have led to continued insecurity in the area.

Advice

Individuals in North Kivu province are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.