31 Jan 2020 | 11:10 AM UTC
DRC: At least 60 civilians killed in militant attacks in North Kivu province January 28-30 /update 1
At least 60 civilians killed by suspected ADF militants near Beni (North Kivu province) January 28-30; similar attacks likely over the near term
Event
According to local sources, suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants killed at least 20 people in Mantumbi, Mamove, and two other neighboring villages west of National Highway 4 near Oicha (North Kivu province) on Thursday, January 30. These latest figures bring the total number of civilians killed by suspected ADF militants in the area to at least 60 between Tuesday, January 28, and Thursday, January 30.
Similar ADF 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, has 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 200 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 all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
