In the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, blood continues to flow and terror persists because of extremist rebels linked to the Islamic State group. Recent attacks by the rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), affiliated with ISIS in North Kivu province, have left at least 10 people dead and an unknown number of others abducted.
The attack in the Batangi-Mbau area left homes burning and a community in mourning. Mak Hazukay, a military spokesman, has called for vigilance and vowed to drive the enemy from the territory. However, eastern DRC has long been a region plagued by armed violence, with more than 120 groups competing for power, land and precious mineral resources, while others try to defend their communities. These armed groups are often involved in massacres, forcing nearly 7 million people to flee their homes.
Attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces have intensified in recent years, now affecting the city of Goma, the main city in eastern DRC, as well as the neighboring province of Ituri. Human rights organizations and the United Nations accuse the ADF of killing hundreds of people and abducting others, including many children.
The cycle of violence seems endless, with attacks carried out regularly, sowing terror and death among the local population. The Congolese authorities and the international community face a major challenge in ending this spiral of violence that has torn the region apart for decades.
It is imperative that concrete measures are taken to protect innocent civilians, guarantee the security of local populations and end the impunity enjoyed by the armed groups responsible for these atrocities. The international community must support efforts to restore peace and stability in eastern DRC, so that the people of this region can finally experience the security and tranquility to which they are entitled.