At least 80 people lost their lives in attacks carried out by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels between Tuesday, May 4, and Friday, May 7, in the villages of the Baswagha-Madiwe group, Beni territory (North Kivu), in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The attacks occurred mainly on Friday night in the villages of Masala, Mapasana, and Mahini and were attributed to the ADF, as stated by an army spokesperson in Congo’s North Kivu province, Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay.
These rebels reportedly killed 30 other civilians in Masau, Mununze, Kabweke, and Manlese two weeks ago. During their raids, the assailants also stole 25 motorcycles and set fire to several residences.
Residents of the areas targeted by the ADF fled their homes to seek refuge in Kyatsaba, various neighbouring villages in the western part of the city of Beni, and in Mabalako, where the General Reference Hospital is grappling with an influx of patients, including the injured.
Since 3rd May, the civil society of Beni territory has reported that 123 civilians have lost their lives in different attacks linked to ADF rebels in the Bapakombe-Pendekali region, including Mangina, Mantumbi, Kudukudu, Kalmango, and Beu-Manyama.
The ADF, now headquartered in eastern Congo, has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and frequently launches attacks, further exacerbating instability in a region rife with numerous militant groups.