In brief
At least 60 people were killed in a brutal attack by the Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Ntoyo, North Kivu. Residents had gathered for a burial when the ADF rebels struck, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region. Despite joint military efforts by Congo and Uganda, the ADF continues to perpetrate these attacks, exacerbating the plight of local populations amidst multiple armed conflicts.
GOMA, Congo — In a harrowing incident, at least 60 individuals lost their lives during an overnight assault by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group aligned with the Islamic State. The attack took place in Ntoyo, North Kivu, where villagers had gathered for a burial.
According to Col. Alain Kiwewa, a local administrator, the death toll may rise as authorities are yet to assess the full extent of the carnage. Witnesses recount horrific scenes, with one survivor describing the rebels as wielding machetes and forcing people to gather before commencing their massacre.
This latest violence is part of a disturbing trend in the region, which has seen a surge in attacks from the ADF, particularly since the group pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2019. Recent months have seen similar large-scale attacks, including a church massacre in July that claimed at least 34 lives.
Despite military collaboration between Congo and Uganda aimed at dismantling the ADF, such violent episodes underline the complexity and volatility of the security situation in eastern Congo. The ongoing conflicts, including tensions with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel factions, further complicate humanitarian conditions for civilians in the area.
