Islamic State-Affiliated ADF Kill at Least 40 in Eastern Congo Attacks
A wave of violence has struck the border regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving at least 40 people dead. The attacks, carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), targeted villages near the Uganda border, involving widespread killing, looting, and the burning of homes.
- Death Toll: At least 40 people killed; numbers may rise as several residents remain missing.
- Locations: 25 deaths occurred in the Beni territory of North Kivu, and 15 deaths occurred in Ituri province.
- Perpetrator: The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamic State-affiliated group.
- Broader Context: The ADF is one of approximately 100 rebel groups operating within Congo.
Details of the Assault
The violence unfolded overnight from Wednesday through Thursday afternoon. According to Kinos Katua, a local resident, and Charité Banza, the leader of the Ituri civil society group, the attackers systematically targeted villages in two primary areas. Banza reported that 25 people were killed in the border villages of the Beni territory in North Kivu, while another 15 lives were lost in Ituri province.
Local reports indicate that the attackers did not only kill civilians but also engaged in looting and burning homes to displace the population. Because several residents are still missing, local leaders warn that the final death toll will likely increase.
Who are the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)?
The Allied Democratic Forces is a militant group with roots in Uganda that has long operated in the volatile border region between Congo and Uganda. In 2019, the group pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State, integrating itself into the global network of IS-affiliated militants.
The ADF is notorious for its routine attacks on civilian populations. The scale of their violence is well-documented by international bodies. In July 2025, the group killed 66 people in eastern Congo in an event the United Nations described as a “bloodbath.”
Human Rights Violations
The group’s operational methods have drawn severe international condemnation. In a report released this week, Amnesty International accused the ADF of committing “war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
Congo’s Complex Security Landscape
The attacks by the ADF are part of a much larger security crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The nation currently struggles against roughly 100 different rebel groups that destabilize the eastern region.
Among these, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group remains one of the most prominent threats. M23 has successfully seized key cities in the eastern part of the country, further complicating the government’s ability to protect civilians from groups like the ADF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the attacks take place?
The attacks occurred in the Beni territory of North Kivu and in Ituri province, both located in the eastern region of Congo near the border with Uganda.
What is the relationship between the ADF and the Islamic State?
While the ADF has Ugandan roots, it officially pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in 2019.
Are there other groups fighting in eastern Congo?
Yes. There are approximately 100 rebel groups active in the region, with the M23 group being one of the most significant due to its seizure of key cities.
Looking Ahead
The continued operations of the ADF and the presence of nearly 100 other militant factions highlight the fragility of security in eastern Congo. As international human rights organizations continue to document war crimes, the pressure mounts on both regional and global powers to find a sustainable solution to the endemic violence plaguing the border regions.