Rebels in Eastern DRC Escalate Violence, Leaving Dozens Dead

Extremist rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have killed at least two dozen civilians in separate attacks this week, according to local authorities and a civil society group.

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, linked to the Islamic State group, killed 13 people in Mambasa territory, Ituri province, and 11 people in Beni territory, North Kivu province.

Meanwhile, the death toll is higher due to some people being missing. Violence has been brewing in the eastern DRC for years, with around 120 armed groups fighting for power, land, minerals, or community security.

The ADF’s attacks have escalated and spread to Goma and Ituri province, with rights groups and the United Nations accusing the ADF of killing hundreds of people and kidnapping many more, including children.