DRC: Suspected ADF militants kill ten near Beni January 9

Event

Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants attacked the villages of Kenake and Maisafi, located near Beni (North Kivu province), on Wednesday, January 9. According to reports, at least seven civilians and three soldiers were killed in the attack, with nine more people suffering injuries. Similar ADF attacks on civilians and security forces are possible in North Kivu province in the near term.

Context

The ADF is a Ugandan Islamist militant group that has been active in North Kivu province since the late 1990s. Notably, the group is suspected of having carried out an attack on UN peacekeepers in Beni territory in December 2017, killing at least 15 peacekeepers and wounding some 53 others. In general, the Congolese government's limited presence in the eastern provinces, including North Kivu, as well as the presence of numerous armed groups and local self-defense militias (Maï-Maï militias) have led to major security issues in the area.

Advice

Individuals in North Kivu province, particularly near Beni, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for violent activity, avoid any public demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.