ADF Militants Kill 35 in Mambasa, 14 Missing

At least 35 people have been killed and 14 others are missing following attacks by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants in four villages in the Babila Babombi area of Mambasa Territory, Ituri Province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The attacks occurred on November 11, 2026, in the villages of Mingazi, Amani, Lelesi, and Mitume. Local leaders reported that 35 people had been killed and 14 others were unaccounted for. Twelve houses and nine motorcycles were also set on fire.

Radio Okapi reported that residents had begun returning to their villages and continued to discover more bodies, while search operations for those still missing continued. The attacks have caused widespread fear among residents, with concerns that the DRC military may not have sufficient capacity to ensure their safety. On November 12, 2026, ADF militants carried out further attacks in the areas of Dondola, Makembise, and Kisangani camp, although the number of casualties was not immediately available.

According to local sources, the ADF militants are continuing to move towards the areas of Lukaya and Makumo, where residents remain on high alert. Local leaders and human rights activists have called on security forces to deploy additional troops to the area and take urgent measures to halt the attacks by the armed group. The situation remains volatile, with residents living in fear of further attacks.

The Mambasa Territory administrator has assured that military operations to track down the ADF militants responsible for the attacks are ongoing. The ADF has been responsible for numerous attacks in the region, and the DRC military has faced criticism for its inability to effectively counter the group's activities. The international community has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in the region.

The attacks have had a significant impact on the local population, with many residents forced to flee their homes and seek shelter elsewhere. Humanitarian organizations have called for increased support for those affected by the violence. The DRC government has promised to do more to protect civilians and restore security to the region.

The ADF, also known as the Allied Democratic Forces-National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (ADF-NALU), is a militant group that was originally from Uganda but has been operating in the DRC since the 1990s. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks on civilians and military targets in the region. The DRC military has launched several operations against the group, but it remains a significant threat to regional stability.

The United Nations and other international organizations have condemned the attacks and called for increased efforts to protect civilians and bring those responsible to justice. The situation in the region remains fragile, and there are concerns that the violence could escalate further if not addressed. The DRC government has pledged to work with international partners to address the security challenges in the region.

Key points

• 35 people killed in ADF attacks in Mambasa Territory, DRC
• 14 people missing following the attacks
• Local leaders and human rights activists call for increased security measures to protect civilians