The Democratic and Allied Forces (ADF) have struck again in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This time it is in the area of Mutuweyi, Makanga and Bekembela in the chiefdom of Walese Vonkutu in Ituri. On review, the tragedy is said to have resulted in the deaths of eight civilians and also saw several hostages taken by the attackers. The ADF are also known to be responsible for the deaths of many other civilians in the area. This latest attack has seen locals living in fear due to reports of the presence of ADF rebels between Ituri and North Kivu provinces.
Several human rights groups are speaking out on the issue, including Christophe Munyanderu who calls on the population to avoid the affected area for their own safety, and also asks that the joint Fardc-Updf force intensify their efforts to confront the ADF and drive them out of the area.
The news in the region is all the more worrying as several other events have also taken place: assassinations in sensitive areas, ongoing military operations, CIA reports on the balkanization of the DRC involving neighboring countries and even more. Nevertheless, some positive signs show an improvement in the country’s economic situation, including a 0.6% rise in the national currency on the official foreign exchange market.
These events underline the need for the authorities not to let their guard down in terms of security, and to collaborate with associations to protect the civilian population. The situations in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu in particular are critical and require constant monitoring