ADF rebels in rout: The hunt continues after the destruction of their strongholds
Since last weekend, the ADF rebels have been in disarray following bombings carried out by joint FARDC-UPDF forces in the chiefdom of Walese Vonkutu, in Irumu territory in the province of Ituri. The fighter planes reduced their strongholds to ruins, causing the fighters to flee.
According to joint operations spokesperson Colonel Marc Hazukay, other Congolese and Ugandan soldiers have been deployed to the front lines to pursue the fleeing rebels. Radio Okapi reports that gunshots have been heard in the area since Saturday, and many residents are moving to the villages of Kataluma and Bakpulu for shelter.
This large-scale operation follows the attacks perpetrated by the ADF last September, during which more than forty civilians lost their lives and around twenty houses were burned. Local authorities are calling for increased security in the region to guarantee the protection of residents.
The evaluation of joint FARDC-UPDF operations, which took place in September in Uganda, led to the implementation of new strategies to intensify the hunt for the ADF. Congolese generals Kasongo Maloba, commander of the Sokola 1 Grand Nord operational sector, and Nyembo Abdallah of the Ituri operational sector, as well as General Dick Olom, commander of the mountain division of the Ugandan army, unanimously decided to reinforce efforts to put an end to the abuses of this armed group which sows terror both in the DRC and Uganda.
This progress in the fight against the ADF is a glimmer of hope for the population of Ituri and North Kivu, bruised by the violence. However, much remains to be done to completely eradicate this rebel group from the region. Securing the electoral process in the DRC is also a major challenge, because the presence of armed groups poses a threat to transparent and credible elections. It is essential that the authorities continue to strengthen security measures to guarantee peace and stability in these regions affected by insecurity.
The international community remains attentive to developments in the situation and strongly condemns the attacks perpetrated by the ADF. It is also important to highlight the efforts of local and international actors to support the population affected by this violence, particularly through initiatives such as the 100 Women gala in the DRC, aimed at combating violence and promoting solidarity.
In conclusion, the destruction of ADF rebel strongholds marks significant progress in the fight against this armed group.. However, it is essential to maintain pressure and continue to strengthen joint operations to put a definitive end to ADF activities. Securing the region is essential to guarantee the protection of civilians and create conditions conducive to transparent and peaceful elections. The international community and local actors must remain mobilized to support the affected population and work for peace and stability in the DRC.