DRC: Unconfirmed Islamic State attack in North Kivu province April 16-17

Event

During the overnight hours (local time) of April 16-17, militants reportedly staged an attack targeting Congolese soldiers in North Kivu province that left multiple people dead and wounded near the border with Uganda. The attack was reported and claimed by Islamic State (IS) on Thursday, April 18, with IS declaring it the action of the "Central Africa Province" of the "Caliphate." Their claim has not been independently verified. The group states its militants attacked an army base in the village of Bovata (North Kivu province), killing at least two Congolese soldiers and one civilian. Witnesses at the scene of the attack attributed blame to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The attack has been confirmed by anonymous military sources; further details are still emerging.

A heightened security presence in the area is possible over the coming weeks.

Context

If confirmed, this attack would represent the first such incident attributed to the IS' so-called "Central Africa Province" group and the first time that IS has named an affiliate in the region. The group is believed to have links to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group founded in 1996 with the stated goal of creating an Islamic state in Uganda. ADF has also operated under the name Madina at Tauheed Wau Mujahedeen (MTM), according to independent observers. The ADF operates in the border area of DRC's North Kivu province, along with a number of other armed militant groups. 

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant, monitor the situation, and adhere to instructions by their home governments.