12 Aug 2024 | 10:44 AM UTC
DRC: Militant violence likely to continue in northeastern provinces through late August /update 4
Further militant attacks are likely in northeastern DRC through at least late August. Increased security measures possible.
Further militant attacks are likely in northeastern DRC's Ituri and North Kivu provinces through at least late August, as clashes between several warring militias and armed forces continue. Active groups include the Islamic State-aligned Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) militants, DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and their affiliated militias and international forces. ADF militants attacked two villages in North Kivu's Beni Territory Aug. 10, killing at least 18 people and burning dozens of homes.
An ongoing joint military operation - Operation Shuuja - involving the Uganda Peoples' Defense Forces (UDPF) and the FARDC is currently tasked with combatting the ADF in the area. 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.
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.
The African Union (AU) announced that attacks across the Beni and Lubero territories in northern North Kivu Province killed at least 150 civilians 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.
