ADF rebels disband after Congolese and Ugandan army airstrikes
Since last weekend, the ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) rebels in the province of Ituri have been in disarray. Their strongholds in the chiefdom of Walese Vonkutu were destroyed following bombings carried out by joint forces of the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) and the UPDF (Uganda People’s Defense Force).
Joint operations spokesman Colonel Marc Hazukay announced that Congolese and Ugandan soldiers were being deployed to pursue the fleeing rebels. According to Okapi radio, gunshots have been heard in the area since Saturday, prompting many residents to move towards Kataluma and Bakpulu.
This offensive follows deadly attacks perpetrated by the rebel group last September, which caused the death of more than forty civilians and the destruction of several homes. The ADF continues to sow terror in both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, hence the need for a coordinated response from both armies to neutralize them.
Generals Kasongo Maloba, commander of the Sokola 1 Grand Nord operational sector, Nyembo Abdallah, of the Ituri operational sector, and Dick Olom, commander of the Ugandan army’s mountain division, recently implemented new strategies to track down the ADF and ensure the security of local populations.
This significant progress in the fight against the ADF rebels is encouraging news for the province of Ituri, which has been heavily affected by violence in recent months. The joint operations between Congolese and Ugandan forces demonstrate the desire of both countries to put an end to the activities of this armed group and restore peace in the region.
However, it remains to be seen how this situation will evolve and whether current operations will completely neutralize the ADF rebels. In the meantime, residents of Ituri province can hope for renewed security and stability thanks to the joint action of the Congolese and Ugandan armed forces.
Source: [article link](https://fatshimetrie.org/blog/2023/10/19/les-rebelles-adf-en-debandade-apres-les-frappes-des-fardc-updf/)