UN Condemns ADF Attacks in Eastern Congo That Killed 89 Civilians

UN Condemns ADF Attacks in Eastern Congo That Killed 89 Civilians
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The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), MONUSCO, has condemned a series of attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in North Kivu province that claimed 89 civilian lives over the past week, including women and patients inside a church-run health facility, Maktoob Media reported.

According to MONUSCO, the assaults occurred between November 13 and 19 across multiple localities in Lubero territory, including the Bapere and Baswagha chiefdoms. At least 20 women and an unspecified number of children were among the victims.

One of the deadliest attacks took place in Byambwe, approximately 60 kilometers west of Lubero, where at least 17 civilians—including women receiving care in a maternity ward—were killed inside a Catholic-operated health centre. Four patient wards were set ablaze during the assault. Other communities, including Mabiango, Tunarudi, Sambalysa, Thucha, and Butsili, faced abductions, the burning of homes, looting of medical supplies, and destruction of property, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.

MONUSCO is coordinating with Congolese authorities, the national army, and regional partners to curb ADF activity. Recent operations include the Force Intervention Brigade’s Operation Nyondo in Komanda, joint military efforts under Operation Safisha along the Beni–Kasindi axis, and Operation Mid-Night Guard, securing towns along the Beni–Eringeti corridor at night.

The mission called on Congolese authorities to launch independent investigations to identify those responsible and reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s appeal for all armed groups, both local and foreign, to disarm unconditionally. The ADF, originally a Ugandan armed group, has expanded operations in eastern Congo and is linked to some of the region’s deadliest attacks on civilians.