HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Renewed attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have once again left civilians dead and injured, highlighting persistent insecurity in the conflict-hit region despite ongoing military operations.
At least two civilians were killed and several others seriously wounded in an overnight attack attributed to suspected ADF rebels in North Kivu Province, local officials said on Friday. The assault occurred at about 7:20pm on Thursday in the Katanga neighbourhood of Manguredjipa, the administrative centre of the Bapere sector in Lubero territory, as residents were marking the start of the New Year.
According to local authorities, armed attackers stormed civilian areas, firing indiscriminately and triggering panic among residents. Many people fled their homes in fear as gunshots rang out during the celebrations.
“A provisional toll indicates at least two people were killed and several others injured,” a local administrative official told reporters on condition of anonymity. “Search and security operations are still ongoing, and the death toll could rise as we continue to assess the situation.”
By press time, the Congolese army had not issued an official statement on the incident, although security forces were reportedly deployed in and around Manguredjipa to pursue the assailants and reassure the population.
The ADF, an armed group that originated in neighbouring Uganda, has for years carried out brutal attacks in eastern Congo, particularly in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. The group is notorious for targeting civilians, including women and children, in raids that often occur at night or during public gatherings.
In recent years, the ADF has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, which has claimed responsibility for some of the attacks, though such claims are often difficult to independently verify.
Despite joint military operations by Congolese and Ugandan forces aimed at neutralising the rebels, Manguredjipa and surrounding areas of Lubero territory continue to experience deadly violence. Residents say insecurity remains widespread, underscoring the challenges authorities face in restoring lasting peace in eastern Congo.
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