At least 20 civilians have been killed in a brutal rebel attack on a village in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Congolese army confirmed on Monday. The assault, attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a violent rebel group linked to the Islamic State (IS) militant network, took place over the weekend and has deeply unsettled local communities already struggling with ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
Details of the attack
The attack occurred early on Saturday morning in Mambimbi-Isigo village, located in the Lubero territory of North Kivu province, a region that has long been plagued by armed violence and insurgent activity. According to Col. Alain Kiwewa Mitela, a Congolese army administrator in the region, fighters believed to be members of the ADF launched a surprise assault against villagers, killing at least 20 people during the operation.
Local civil society activists have described elements of the assault. Before targeting civilians, fighters reportedly raided several farmers’ fields, destroying crops and livelihoods, then proceeded to attack residents with both knives and firearms. The brutality of the attack left entire families in shock and has sparked fear among neighbouring communities.
Authorities and local leaders have warned that the death toll could be higher than current figures, as many residents remain missing following the assault. Some families have yet to account for relatives who were present when the attack began.
Humanitarian consequences
In the immediate aftermath of the violence, hundreds of villagers fled in panic, seeking safety in nearby towns or areas believed to be more secure. The mass displacement of residents has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in eastern Congo, where conflict has disrupted daily life for years and strained limited resources for shelter, food, and medical care.
Aid organisations and local volunteers have expressed grave concern over the impact on vulnerable populations, particularly children, the elderly, and those who were injured in the attack. Many displaced families are now living in makeshift camps or with relatives, struggling to access essential services.
Rebel group and historical background
The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) is a militant group that has operated in eastern Congo and neighbouring Uganda for decades. Originally formed in Uganda in the late 1990s, the group took refuge in the dense forests and remote border areas of the DRC after facing intense pressure from Ugandan military operations in the early 2000s.
In 2019, the ADF pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, aligning itself with the global extremist organisation. Since then, the ADF has been among the most persistent and violent insurgent groups in the region, regularly conducting attacks against civilians, security forces, and community leaders.
The group’s tactics are known for their brutality and often indiscriminate targeting of non-combatants. Local civil society organisations have documented numerous attacks over the years, with dozens of civilians killed in similar assaults throughout the Beni and Lubero territories alone since the beginning of 2026. According to community leaders, at least 62 civilians have already been killed in various ADF attacks in these territories this year.
Coinciding security issues
Eastern Congo remains one of the world’s most volatile conflict zones, with multiple armed groups operating in overlapping territories. In addition to the ADF, other armed factions such as the M23 rebels, who have backing from neighbouring Rwanda, continue to pose security threats and carry out attacks on both civilians and Congolese forces.
These interconnected security challenges have complicated peace efforts and hindered humanitarian assistance. Civilians often find themselves caught in the crossfire between rival groups, with limited protection from national forces or international peacekeepers.
International engagement
In light of the ongoing violence, the United Nations peacekeeping chief, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, began a two-day official visit to eastern Congo, including the heavily affected town of Beni. His visit was intended to assess the security situation firsthand and underscore the international community’s concern over rising attacks by insurgent groups like the ADF.
UN officials and humanitarian partners have urged an increase in support for both security operations and civilian protection efforts. They emphasise that without robust intervention and durable peace strategies, communities will continue to endure cycles of violence and displacement.
Broader impact and outlook
The recent attack in Mambimbi-Isigo village highlights the persistent dangers faced by civilians in eastern Congo. Frequent attacks disrupt daily life, impede access to education and healthcare, and contribute to regional instability. The conflict has also hindered economic activity, leaving many people dependent on humanitarian aid for survival.
Analysts warn that without significant improvements in security and governance, rebel groups like the ADF will continue to exploit gaps in state capacity, perpetuating cycles of violence that have already claimed the lives of thousands of civilians over the past decade. Efforts to strengthen local security forces, increase international cooperation, and address underlying social grievances are seen as essential components of any sustainable peace strategy.
