DRC: Militant attack leaves eight dead near Beni (North Kivu province) November 25

Event

Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants killed at least eight civilians in Boikene (Beni territory; North Kivu), on Monday, November 25. Similar militant attacks are to be expected in North Kivu province over the near term, as an ongoing military offensive against militia groups in the area is expected to continue.

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, tens of people 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 situational developments, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.