28 Jun 2024 | 07:51 AM UTC
DRC: Further militant violence likely in Ituri and North Kivu provinces through at least late July /update 3
Further militant attacks likely in Ituri and North Kivu provinces, DRC, through at least late July.
Militant attacks, including by the Islamic State-aligned Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), are likely in eastern DRC through at least late July. The African Union (AU) announced that attacks across the Beni and Lubero territories in northern North Kivu Province left at least 150 civilians dead in June. Officials often attribute attacks and kidnappings to ADF militants, who operate primarily in Ituri and northern North Kivu provinces, including near Bunia and Beni. In addition, suspected Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) militants attacked several localities in the Djugu Territory, Ituri Province, June 21-22, killing up to 36 civilians killed and abducting an unspecified number of others.
An ongoing joint military operation, known as Operation Shuuja, between the Uganda Peoples' Defense Forces (UDPF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) targets ADF militants. Heightened security measures and clashes between security forces and militants are likely throughout the province. Business and transportation disruptions are also likely near attack sites.
Consider deferring nonessential travel to conflict-affected areas in eastern DRC until the situation stabilizes. Consult local security partners on the viability of traveling in the region. Reconfirm the status of roads and border crossings before departure. Travel in convoy and during daylight hours only. Adhere to directives issued by local authorities. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions.
The threat of militant violence is severe in eastern regions of the DRC despite the implementation of a state of siege in Ituri and North Kivu. Fatal attacks and kidnappings are regularly carried out by some of the numerous armed groups operating in the east of the country. Militants typically employ significant and indiscriminate violence in such assaults, and foreign personnel may be targeted in attacks due to the perception that they are wealthy and vulnerable.
