DRC: UN peacekeepers killed near Beni November 14 /update 1

Event

UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) peacekeepers engaged suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels during operations near Beni (North Kivu) on Wednesday, November 14. According to a MONUSCO spokesperson, seven peacekeepers were killed along with several Congolese soldiers during the fighting. Another ten soldiers were wounded and at least one soldier is missing as of Thursday, November 15. Further clashes between security forces and ADF rebels are possible in the Beni area and elsewhere in North Kivu province in the near term.

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 in 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 major security issues in the area.

Advice

Individuals in North Kivu province, particularly those in Beni, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for violent activity, avoid any public demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.