At Least 18 Civilians Killed in Attack in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

At least 18 civilians lost their lives in a recent assault targeting several villages in the Mambasa area of Ituri province, located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The attack has been attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

The death toll remains preliminary and uncertain, as many individuals are still reported missing amid the ongoing presence of attackers in the area. Radio France Internationale reported that the vast majority of victims were local gold miners, with some held hostage by the group.

Kamabali Benzi Philemon, head of the local civil society, told the French radio that "the death toll is likely to rise," adding that "many victims had their heads cut off with machetes."

He called on the Congolese government to strengthen military reinforcements and protect the population, expressing regret over the absence of intervention by forces stationed in the area during the attack. He also noted that there was no observed response from the United Nations mission (MONUSCO).

This incursion is part of a series of violent attacks carried out by the armed group loyal to the Islamic State in recent weeks along the border between Ituri and North Kivu provinces. These violent acts have caused new waves of displacement among the local population.

John Foliverio from the human rights NGO Protection Plus stated that "innocent civilians continue to be massacred amid unbearable neglect."

He urged both local and international communities to act swiftly, emphasizing that "each day without an effective response exposes thousands of families to further death, forced displacement, and fear."

This attack occurred as the death toll from a Monday assault in the neighboring Beni territory of North Kivu rose to 22, including a technician working for a local radio station.

These attacks persist despite joint military operations conducted by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Ugandan People's Defence Force (UPDF) in the region.