At least 40 people have been killed in a deadly assault carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo near the border with Uganda, according to local civil society leaders.
The coordinated attacks took place overnight from Wednesday into Thursday across villages in North Kivu’s Beni territory and neighbouring Ituri province, leaving communities devastated and forcing residents to flee for safety.
Local officials said the militants burned homes, looted property and carried out widespread violence against civilians. Civil society leader Charité Banza said at least 25 victims were killed in villages within Beni territory while another 15 people died in Ituri province.
Community representatives warned the death toll could rise further as several residents remain missing following the attacks.
The Allied Democratic Forces, commonly known as ADF, originated in Uganda before establishing operations in eastern Congo. The group formally pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State in 2019 and has since intensified attacks targeting civilians across the region.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly raised alarm over the growing violence. Earlier this week, Amnesty International accused the rebel group of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Eastern Congo continues to face one of Africa’s most complex security crises, with nearly 100 armed groups operating across the mineral-rich region. Among the most prominent is the M23 rebel movement, which has captured strategic towns and intensified instability in recent years.
The latest massacre adds to mounting concerns over civilian safety as communities in the region continue to endure repeated cycles of violence, displacement and humanitarian suffering.