Islamic State-Linked Rebels Kill 43 in Eastern Congo Attack

NewsDesk MC April 3, 2026April 3, 2026 Allied Democratic Forces, armed conflict, Bafwakoa, Central Africa, civilian killings, counterterrorism, Democratic Republic of the Congo, humanitarian crisis, insurgency, islamic state, Ituri province, Mambasa territory, militant attack, North Kivu, rebel groups, regional instability, saudi arabia, security crisis, Ugandan forces, violence against civilians

Kinhasa— At least 43 people were killed in an attack in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday, with the military blaming militants linked to the Islamic State, officials said.

The assault occurred in Bafwakoa village in Mambasa territory of Ituri province, near the town of Niania, beginning around 7 p.m. local time, according to army statements and local authorities.

The Congolese military said the attackers were members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group active in eastern Congo that has been recognized by Islamic State as an affiliate.

Local official Christian Alimasi said the attackers burned at least 44 houses, killed residents using machetes and fire, and abducted two people during the raid.

Violence linked to the ADF has intensified in recent months in Ituri and neighboring North Kivu province, despite joint military operations launched in 2021 by Congolese and Ugandan forces to counter the group.

Data from Insecurity Insight shows the ADF accounted for roughly a quarter of reported violence against civilians in eastern Congo between 2020 and 2025, underscoring the persistent security challenges in the region.

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