ADF Strikes Mungwere Village

For years, the North Kivu and Ituri provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were known as the primary victims of the ADF’s atrocities. Today, most of the DRC’s territories are suffering because of the Islamic extremists’ horrific attacks. 

On April 30, residents of the Mungwere village in the DRC’s Haut‑Uele province suffered through an overnight ADF assault that killed 10 Christians.

“We are afraid that these terrorists are now entering a larger region,” a local said. “They were known to be in Beni, Lubero territories, and in Ituri province, but today they have reached Haut‑Uele province and killed our family members and kidnapped others.” 

According to the Mungwele village chief, the assault began while the community was asleep. He explained that the attackers started killing people and catching others in the middle of the night. He added that the assailants forced several residents out of their homes where the violence unfolded. Fear spread quickly, and many villagers fled toward areas they believed to be safer. 

“Some people were heard crying, and we did not understand what was happening,” he explained. “Suddenly, everyone began running in different directions while the rebels started their operation. They were killing people and taking others into the bush.” 

The incident was later confirmed by Captain Kisher Mba July, spokesperson for the operational sector in Watsa territory. He acknowledged the attack carried out by ADF elements but reassured the population that security forces had regained control. He urged residents not to panic as the national army’s operations are underway. 

Civil society leaders expressed deep concern about the broader security situation. Jean‑Pierre Atsidri, president of the Watsa civil society organization, noted that insecurity has been rising across eastern DRC. He warned that the threat remains serious and called on residents to remain alert.  

“The insecurity rate has increased in the eastern part of the DRC,” he said. “Today, it has reached Haut-Uele Province. Communities must be vigilant and denounce anyone collaborating with the ADF terrorists.” 

Provincial authorities also responded. Jean Bokomito, governor of Haut‑Uele province, encouraged those who had fled to return to their homes, emphasizing that the situation had stabilized. He reassured displaced families that security forces were working to protect the population and restore normal life in the affected areas.

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