UN Deplores Deadly ADF Attacks in Eastern DR Congo

UN peacekeepers patrol in Goma, in the eastern DR Congo.

The UN has strongly condemned recent attacks carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) armed group in several locations across North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The assaults, which occurred between 9 and 16 August in Beni and Lubero territories, claimed the lives of at least 52 civilians, including eight women and two children. Peacekeepers on the ground warned that the death toll could rise further.

“These attacks targeting civilians, which add to the atrocities committed during the night of 26 to 27 July in Komanda (Ituri territory, Ituri), are intolerable and constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights,” said Binto Keita, Head of the UN Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).

The violent raids were accompanied by abductions, looting, and the burning of homes, vehicles, and motorcycles, as well as the destruction of property belonging to civilians already facing dire humanitarian conditions.

MONUSCO called on foreign armed groups, such as the ADF, to lay down their arms unconditionally and return to their countries of origin.

The Mission also urged Congolese authorities to conduct thorough investigations, identify those responsible for the massacre of civilians, and bring them to justice.

In response to the new wave of violence, the peacekeeping mission reinforced its military presence and support to Congolese authorities.

For example, on 13 and 14 August during incidents in Mayi-Moya in North Kivu, MONUSCO provided physical protection to 206 civilians, including 93 children and 70 women, who had sought refuge at the mission’s military base.

“MONUSCO remains fully committed to supporting Congolese authorities and local communities in preventing further violence, protecting civilians, reducing tensions, and contributing to the stabilisation of areas affected by armed conflict,” the Mission said.