DRC: Militant attacks leave at least 22 dead in North Kivu province December 15

Event

Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants killed at least 22 people in attacks in North Kivu province overnight between Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15. According to local officials, the incidents occurred in the villages of Baoba and Ntombi, near Beni.

A heightened security presence has been reported in the area. 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. There has been local and international speculation regarding potential links between ADF rebels and Islamic State (IS) militants. According to local civil society activists, more than 100 civilians have been killed in almost daily attacks suspected to have been carried out by ADF militants in North Kivu since early November, when security operations began to combat ADF fighters.

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.