DRC: Deadly attack in Beni Nov. 26; protest Nov. 27

Event

Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels killed two people on the Mbau-Kamango road, located north of the town of Beni (North Kivu), on Monday, November 26. On Tuesday, civil society organizations are planning to hold a demonstration in Beni to denounce recurrent violence in the area. A heightened security presence is likely. Further attacks by 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 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 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.