DRC: Suspected ADF militants kill five in Beni December 22

Event

Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants killed five people - one soldier and four civilians, in the Masiani district of Beni (North Kivu province), on Saturday, December 22. Three other people were injured and three are still missing as of Monday, December 24. Similar ADF attacks on civilians and security forces are to be expected in North Kivu province over 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 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 and local self-defense militias (Maï-Maï militias) have led to major security issues in the area.

Advice

Individuals in North Kivu province, particularly near 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.