At least 13 dead in new attack attributed to ADF in Mambasa

A deadly attack, attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, claimed at least 13 lives overnight Thursday to Friday in the Mambasa territory of Ituri province. The incursion into the village of Banana École, located about 20 kilometers from Mambasa-center, also led to the destruction of property and left several residents unaccounted for.

Local civil society sources reported that the assailants, presumed ADF combatants, killed at least 13 people. The death toll is considered provisional as some inhabitants remain missing. The attackers also set fire to shops, three motorcycles, and two trucks, compounding the losses for the local population.

Civil society representatives in Mambasa stated they had warned authorities about the suspected presence of ADF elements in the area days before the attack. They claim information was passed on Monday and Tuesday to alert security services to the risk of rebel incursions. "We had reported the presence of the ADF in certain areas of the territory," said civil society actors, expressing regret that adequate measures were not taken promptly.

In response to criticism, the territorial administration assured that efforts are underway to restore security in this part of Ituri. Local authorities emphasized ongoing actions to address the persistent insecurity affecting numerous localities within Mambasa territory. Civil society groups are urging the Congolese authorities to enhance attack prevention by giving greater weight to public alerts. They also called for increased FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) personnel and logistical support in Mambasa, and for the FARDC-UPDF-MONUSCO coalition to intensify operations against the ADF to ensure regional security and facilitate the return of displaced persons.