16 Villagers Killed and 20 Abducted by IS-linked Rebels in Congo

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — A recent wave of violence in northeastern Congo has left at least 16 villagers dead and 20 others abducted, according to a local civil society group. The attacks, attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), occurred in Ituri province’s Mambasa territory between Wednesday and Friday, targeting locals, including those working on their farms. John Vulverio, coordinator of the New Civil Society of Congo, reported that the death toll is provisional, with the fate of the kidnapped individuals still unknown. Among those taken by the assailants were the mother and sister of Gilbert Sivamwenda, a local government official, highlighting the personal toll of the violence. The ADF, which has ties to the Islamic State group, has increasingly targeted communities in the region, contributing to a climate of fear and instability. The group has a history of cross-border attacks, extending its reach into neighboring Uganda, where it was originally formed. The ongoing violence in Congo has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation, with over 7 million people displaced across the country. Many of these individuals remain inaccessible to aid, as armed groups continue to besiege numerous villages. The situation underscores the complex interplay of local power struggles and extremist ideologies that fuel the conflict in this central African nation. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the violence and provide assistance to those affected by the ongoing turmoil.