ADF-linked attacks in eastern DRC raise pressure for security and aid

Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is facing renewed pressure to deliver both security gains and emergency relief after civil society in North Kivu reported at least 62 civilian deaths since the start of 2026 in attacks attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Beni and Lubero territories.

In the statement, civil society leaders describe a pattern of targeted assaults that they say is deepening fear, disrupting daily life, and further weakening local economic activity especially in Lubero, which they identify as the hardest hit area.

They report 52 people killed in Lubero, compared with 10 in Beni.

Beyond the death toll, the statement cites significant destruction of civilian property and community infrastructure. Reported damage includes a burned health post, 67 shops and 10 houses destroyed, 23 motorcycles burned, and the destruction of a local chief’s “barza,” a community meeting place.

Displacement compounds humanitarian needs

Civil society says the attacks have forced thousands of families to flee, worsening humanitarian conditions for displaced communities. The statement adds that insecurity is preventing many residents from returning to several localities now viewed as high-risk.

This latest wave of displacement follows a broader pattern of violence in the Beni–Lubero corridor that has repeatedly triggered humanitarian emergencies and protection concerns, including attacks on civilians and the destruction of property documented in recent UN reporting.

Calls for a dual-track response: military reassessment and aid

Civil society is urging the central government to reassess current security arrangements and respond on two tracks: improve operational effectiveness against ADF-linked threats while also scaling up humanitarian support for affected communities.

Their recommendations include:

• Strengthening FARDC operational capacity, including personnel and logistics support in the field;

• Reassessing FARDC–UPDF joint operations, with a focus on whether current cooperation is effectively targeting ADF strongholds;

• Providing emergency humanitarian assistance to displaced families and communities affected by the attacks.

Regional and international actors have previously underscored the scale and brutality of ADF violence in North Kivu, warning that repeated attacks can rapidly deteriorate already fragile humanitarian conditions.