Militant group kills at least 10 in eastern Congo attack

In eastern Congo, at least ten people lost their lives due to an assault by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an extremist group affiliated with the Islamic State. The attack took place on January 15, 2025, in the village of Makoko, located in the Lubero territory of North Kivu province. Local official David Sikuli confirmed the incident and highlighted the absence of Congolese soldiers in the area, noting that only local fighters known as Wazalendo, who typically collaborate with Congolese security forces, were present. This violent incident is part of a troubling pattern in a region plagued by a long history of armed conflicts. Eastern Congo is home to more than 120 armed groups that vie for control over land, power, and valuable resources, leading to chronic instability. The ADF, which formed in Uganda during the late 1990s and affiliated with ISIS in 2019, has become notorious for its brutal attacks against civilians, including mass killings and abductions, some involving children. Humanitarian crises have escalated in the region due to this ongoing violence, culminating in the displacement of nearly seven million people over the years. David Sikuli, the local parliament member, has called for the Congolese government to authorize expanded joint military operations with Uganda's army in the areas heavily impacted by the ADF. The demand underscores the urgent need for a coordinated and robust response to stem the tide of violence. The situation remains fluid as the ADF continues its campaigns against vulnerable communities, further complicating efforts for peace and stabilization in eastern Congo. Continued violence not only threatens lives but also exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, leaving many communities in dire need of assistance, further enriching the cycle of conflict that has gripped the region for decades.