DRC: Suspected ADF militants kill civilians in Oicha area of North Kivu October 7

Event

At least eight civilians were killed in the early hours of Wednesday, October 7, when suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants attacked two villages in the Oicha area of North Kivu province. The villages of Akwekwe and Bayeyi were both reportedly attacked by suspected militants on Wednesday morning, with seven people being killed in one village and a single individual in the other, although it remains unclear why the residents were targeted.

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.