DRC: ADF militants attack village in Beni territory (North Kivu province) September 21

Event

At least two people were killed on Monday, September 21, after Allied Democratic Force (ADF) insurgents attacked Musuku village (North Kivu province). In the attack, the militants looted multiple shops and burned down a health center. Residents fled the area and were displaced to Beni city, Oicha, and Mangina. Additional security force personnel have been dispatched to the region following the attacks.

Further attacks and counter security operations are likely in North Kivu in the near term.

Context

The ADF, a Ugandan Islamist militant group that has been active in North Kivu province since the late 1990s, has been increasingly active in the Beni region in recent months, staging dozens of attacks on local communities and security forces. According to the UN figures, more than 1000 civilians have been killed in attacks by the group since the beginning of 2019.

Advice

Those in North Kivu are advised to remain vigilant for rebel and militia activity, monitor developments, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

A number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the east and northeast of the country due to poor security conditions, including the presence of armed groups and a high risk of kidnapping. Professional security advice should be sought prior to travel.