DRC: ADF militants kill six in Oicha (North Kivu province) November 14

Event

Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants reportedly killed six people, including a father and five children, in Oicha (North Kivu province) around 21:00 (local time) on Thursday, November 14. Thursday's assault marks the third recorded in the region since early November, when security operations began in North Kivu province to combat armed militant groups. Similar militant attacks are to be expected in North Kivu province over the near term.

Context

The government's limited presence in the DRC's eastern provinces, as well as the presence of numerous armed groups and local self-defense militias, have led to continued insecurity in the area. The ADF is a Ugandan Islamist militant group that has been active in North Kivu province since the late 1990s. The group has also been blamed for attacks in neighboring Ituri province in recent months. There has been local and international speculation regarding potential links between ADF rebels and Islamic State (IS) militants, who have claimed multiple attacks in North Kivu province. IS has attributed such attacks to fighters from its "Central Africa Province."

On November 5 and November 11, at least 15 civilians were killed in similar attacks in Oicha and Mayi-Moya, respectively. Those latest attacks are believed to be retribution for recent security forces' operations in the area.

Advice

Individuals in North Kivu province are advised to remain vigilant for militant activity, monitor developments to the situation, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.