22 Jan 2020 | 08:55 PM UTC
DRC: Attack near Beni (North Kivu province) leaves six dead January 22
Attack near Beni (North Kivu province) leaves six dead January 22; similar attacks likely over the near term
Event
At least six civilians were killed in an attack near Beni (North Kivu province) on Wednesday, January 22. No group has yet claimed responsibility; however, DRC officials suspect that Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants carried out the attack.
A heightened security presence is expected in the vicinity of the incident over the coming hours. Similar attacks are likely 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.
