At least 43 people were killed in an attack by suspected Allied Democratic Forces fighters in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the army said Thursday.
The assault occurred Wednesday in Bafwakoa village in Mambasa territory, Ituri province. Army spokesperson Lt. Jules Tshikudi Ngongo said attackers also torched at least 44 homes, leaving widespread destruction and deepening fear among residents.
Authorities blamed the attack on the Allied Democratic Forces, an armed group with roots in Uganda that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group. The militia has repeatedly targeted civilians in eastern Congo, where insecurity continues to spread.
Local officials described a grim and chaotic scene. Baptiste Munyapandi, Mambasa territorial administrator, said search operations were ongoing and warned the death toll could rise as more bodies may be recovered.
Witnesses said some victims were killed with machetes, while others died after being trapped inside burning homes. Two people were also abducted during the raid, according to local customary leader Christian Alimasi.
The latest violence reflects a sustained pattern of attacks on civilians. Data from Insecurity Insight shows the group has accounted for a significant share of civilian targeted violence in eastern Congo in recent years.
Congolese forces have struggled to contain multiple armed groups operating across the region. In addition to the Allied Democratic Forces, troops are also confronting the M23 rebel movement, which has seized key territories in eastern Congo.
Despite joint military operations launched in 2021 between Congo and Uganda targeting the group, attacks have persisted. Analysts say the fighters increasingly avoid direct clashes with the army and instead focus on vulnerable communities.
“The ADF avoids direct combat and targets civilians to spread fear and undermine peace efforts,” Ngongo told The Associated Press.
Last year, the group killed dozens in a nearby area, highlighting the enduring threat posed by armed groups in the region.
Eastern Congo remains one of Africa most volatile regions, plagued by armed conflict fueled by ethnic tensions, resource competition and cross border rivalries.
The latest killings are likely to intensify calls for stronger security measures to protect civilians and restore stability.
