DRC: Rebels launch attack near Beni (North Kivu province) April 6

Event

Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants launched an attack near Beni (North Kivu province) in the evening (local time) on Monday, April 6. The attack took place in Rwenzori's Halungupa (Beni territory), a town located some 30 km (18 mi) from Beni city in North Kivu province. Reports indicate that six civilians were killed in the attack, including five adults and a child, after militants entered Halungupa at 19:00 and started shooting indiscriminately. The motive for the attack was not immediately clear and investigations into the incident have been launched.

Further security operations targeting ADF positions and attacks by rebel forces are possible 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 monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.