The Silent Carnage: ADF/ISCAP Attacks in North Kivu and Ituri

While much of the attention remains on Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Allied Democratic Forces/Islamic State's Central Africa Province (ADF/ISCAP) continues its reign of terror. Reports indicate that on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, ADF rebels launched a deadly attack in Makoko, near Muhangi, within the Bashwaha chiefdom of Lubero territory. The assault claimed approximately ten lives, including Mwami Kasereka Kasimba, Chief of the Bulengya group. He and his secretary were ambushed by ADF fighters while returning from an assessment of the attack site, according to local civil society sources.

The ADF's campaign of violence has resulted in large-scale massacres across the northwest of Lubero territory, particularly in the Muhangi parish. Between January 13 and January 20, 2025, the death toll reached 113, distributed across several locations:

• Makoko: 9 people
• Tsava and Kiseghe: 43 deaths
• Mutumbo: 25 deaths
• Vusaka: 4 deaths
• Mapanga: 7 deaths
• Kalimba: 2 deaths
• Mulambi: 11 deaths
• Masakoki: 8 deaths
• Matundu: 4 deaths

Mambelenga (Ituri)

On Friday, January 24, 2025, around 5 PM, ADF/ISCAP militants struck the village of Mambelenga, specifically in Manzebi, killing eight civilians, including a woman. Since the start of 2025, the Irumu territory has witnessed a rising death toll due to ADF/ISCAP attacks.

Beni Mayangose

On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the remains of at least two motorcycles were retrieved from the Mayangose forest and brought to the Beni city center. The motorcycles were traced to Mayangose Mikua, and their owners, including a motorcycle taxi driver from the Boikene Mayangose market, have been missing for over three days. The Mikua area has become a hotspot for ADF attacks in recent weeks.

Year-to-Date Overview in Ituri

Since the beginning of the year, ADF terrorists have claimed the lives of 50 civilians, with over 70 others reported missing. In addition, motorcycles, bicycles, and goods have been set ablaze in Irumu territory, particularly in the Walese Vonkutu and Banyali Tchabi chiefdoms. These killings are frequently publicized on the Islamic State's online platforms, yet they continue under a shroud of silence. Despite the presence of Ugandan troops engaged in the joint military operation "Shujaa," the security situation remains precarious, with the effectiveness of these efforts increasingly under scrutiny.

The persistent violence unleashed by ADF/ISCAP in North Kivu and Ituri underscores the severe security challenges plaguing the region. While Goma draws significant attention, the relentless attacks continue to take a heavy toll on local populations, causing loss of life and mass displacement. Fear and insecurity dominate daily life, and doubts are mounting regarding the capability of joint military operations like "Shujaa" to curb the ADF/ISCAP's ability to perpetrate violence.