Brutal Attacks by ADF Rebels Claim At Least 30 Lives in North Kivu
At least 30 civilians were killed in a series of brutal attacks by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in Bapere village, located in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Military officials and local civil society leaders report that the killings occurred between Wednesday and Friday, with victims reportedly slaughtered with knives and homes set ablaze. Over 100 people remain hostage, raising fears of further atrocities, reports 24brussels.
The ADF, an armed group with roots in Uganda and ties to the Islamic State, has intensified its operations in eastern Congo despite ongoing joint military efforts by Uganda and the DRC. This latest massacre follows a tragic pattern of violence, including a July 27 attack on a Christian congregation in Komanda village, which resulted in the deaths of at least 40 worshippers, including 13 children. Earlier that month, the ADF reportedly murdered 70 civilians in Pikamaibo village, underscoring the scale and brutality of its campaign.
The violence in North Kivu exacerbates the complex security crisis in eastern Congo, where numerous armed groups—such as M23, CODECO, and Raia Mutomboki—terrorize civilians. The UN Human Rights Office has documented widespread sexual violence, mass killings, and forced displacement, warning that the region is experiencing one of its worst humanitarian breakdowns in decades.
Recent attacks include a deadly assault in Oicha, where ADF militants targeted a local cinema, killing nine football fans and setting homes ablaze. These incidents reflect the group’s evolving tactics, aimed at instilling fear by attacking public gatherings and disrupting community life.
Despite peace agreements signed in Washington and Doha earlier this summer, violence has surged. The UN has called on signatories to transform diplomatic commitments into real protection for civilians, but humanitarian organizations report little change on the ground.
The military administrator for Bapere has urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Local communities, however, continue to face limited access to security forces, scarce humanitarian aid, and ongoing displacement.
The resurgence of the ADF poses a significant threat to regional stability. Analysts warn that without coordinated international support, the cycle of violence will persist. The UN and African Union have called for enhanced peacekeeping mandates, cross-border intelligence sharing, and urgent humanitarian assistance.
