Since October 2023, the ADF, affiliated with the Islamic State, is estimated to have killed more than 1,000 civilians, making them the deadliest armed group in the DRC.
Following military operations against them, the ADF has shifted its strategy, prioritizing civilian attacks over direct confrontations with security forces. This has resulted in panic and mass displacement of civilians. The report details attacks on densely populated areas, particularly around Mavivi and Beni. These attacks targeted displaced persons’ camps and aimed to disrupt ongoing military operations.
While attacks in Uganda have decreased, the ADF continues operations there, targeting civilians and attempting bombings. The report suggests the ADF faces financial difficulties, possibly linked to the death of a key financier in early 2023. However, they persist by relying on collaborator networks.
The ADF has capitalized on existing tensions by collaborating with Nande communities in Ituri province, facilitating expansion and resupply. The report warns of ongoing recruitment and training within prisons, particularly in Kinshasa, where key ADF detainees were transferred.
This report underscores the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to address the ADF threat. Disrupting their financial networks, dismantling collaborator networks, and addressing the root causes of ethnic tensions are crucial steps alongside military operations. The safety and well-being of DRC’s civilians depend on a comprehensive response.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA