The Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by a surge in attacks from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group with alleged ties to the Islamic State (ISIL). On Sunday, July 27, ADF fighters launched a deadly assault on a Catholic church in the Komanda region, killing dozens of people and taking others captive. The attack, which left at least 43 people dead, drew widespread condemnation from the United Nations and the Vatican.
Vivian van de Perre, acting head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, strongly condemned the attack, stating that “these targeted attacks against defenceless civilians, particularly in places of worship, are not only appalling, but also in violation of all human rights standards and international humanitarian law”. Pope Leo also expressed sorrow, imploring God that “the blood of these martyrs may be a seed of peace, reconciliation, brotherhood and love for all the Congolese people”.
The ADF, originally a Ugandan rebel group, began operating in eastern DRC in 2002. Since then, it has become notorious for its brutal attacks on civilians in both countries. Experts say the group has become more violent over the years and now seeks to advance extreme Islamic ideology. With about 1,000 to 1,500 members, the ADF reportedly controls camps with internal security services, clinics, prisons, and schools for children.
The ADF’s increasing attacks could lead to rising insecurity in the fragile DRC and across the sub-region. Analyst Nico Minde notes that the group might be taking advantage of the military resources diverted to confront the M23 rebels, resulting in more frequent attacks since January. “Strategically, this allows them to freely move in Ituri and North Kivu while attention remains fixed on the M23 conflict,” Minde said.
Uganda has deployed troops to the DRC as part of Operation Shujaa, which also involves the Congolese army and MONUSCO forces. However, there are concerns that Uganda is expanding its presence into territory not affected by ADF attacks, sparking tensions with the DRC. Ugandan army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye defended the government’s stance, citing the need to protect commercial interests in the DRC.
The DRC government recently signed key peace roadmap agreements with Rwanda and the M23 rebel group, leading to a ceasefire. However, the ADF’s resurgence raises questions about the timing and motivation behind the violence. Minde suggests that the group might be trying to take advantage of the pacifist moment following the US and Qatar-brokered peace deal to remind the world of its existence.