DRC: Suspected ADF militants stage further attacks in Beni territory (North Kivu) August 15 /update 1

Event

Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels killed at least eight people on the night of Saturday, August 15, in an attack on the village of Mwenda in North Kivu's Beni region. The attack reportedly targeted an Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) position in the village but those killed are believed to have been civilians. The attack follows several other incidents involving alleged ADF fighters in the Beni region in recent days, including the killing of four farmers in the Mbau area on Friday, August 14, and clashes with FARDC forces near Kpolowu earlier on Saturday in which two militants were reported to have been killed and several soldiers injured.

Further ADF attacks and associated security operations are likely in the Beni region in the near term.

Context

The ADF, a Ugandan Islamist militant group that has been active in North Kivu province since the late 1990s, has been increasingly active in the Beni region in recent months, staging dozens of attacks on local communities and security forces. The government has deployed additional forces to the region in an attempt to improve security following the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak which hit the area in August 2018, launching a major offensive against the ADF in October. However, attacks have continued in many remote areas where the presence of security forces remains limited.

Advice

Those in North Kivu province are advised to remain vigilant for rebel and militia activity, monitor developments, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

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.