DRC: Clashes near Beni (North Kivu) leave 12 people dead June 3-4 /update 2

Event

Congolese military forces (FARDC) clashed with Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels near Beni (North Kivu province) on Monday, June 3, and Tuesday, June 4, leaving some 12 civilians dead. According to local sources, ADF rebels attacked security forces in Rwangoma and Maswata, killing civilians in the crossfire, on Monday evening (local time). ADF rebels subsequently attacked Butanuka on Tuesday morning, reportedly leaving ten people dead. 

Similar clashes between Congolese forces and ADF rebels, as well as rebel attacks on civilians, are to be expected around Beni - the center of the ongoing Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic - over the near term.

Context

Congolese military forces reportedly killed 26 Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels near Beni (North Kivu province) on May 30.

The ADF is a Ugandan Islamist militant group that has been active in North Kivu province since the late 1990s. The group has also been blamed for attacks in neighboring Ituri province in recent months. There has been local and international speculation regarding potential links between ADF rebels and Islamic State (IS) militants, who have claimed multiple attacks in North Kivu province in recent weeks; IS has attributed such attacks to fighters from its "Central Africa Province."

Advice

Individuals in North Kivu province are advised to remain vigilant, monitor developments to the situation, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.