BENI, Democratic Republic of Congo (AP) — At least 80 people were killed in attacks by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the Baswagha-Madiwe group of villages in Beni territory, North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), between Tuesday, May 4, and Friday, May 7.
The majority of the attacks occurred on Friday night in the villages of Masala, Mapasana, and Mahini, according to Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay, an army spokesman in North Kivu province.
The ADF rebels also killed 30 civilians in Masau, Mununze, Kabweke, and Manlese in the past two weeks. They also looted 25 motorcycles and set several houses on fire during their attacks.
Residents of the affected areas fled their homes, seeking refuge in Kyatsaba, some neighborhoods in the western part of Beni city, and in Mabalako, where the General Reference Hospital is overwhelmed with patients, including the injured.
Since May 3, civil society in Beni territory has reported that 123 civilians have been killed in various ADF attacks in the Bapakombe-Pendekali region, including Mangina, Mantumbi, Kudukudu, Kalmango, and Beu-Manyama.
The ADF, now based in eastern Congo, has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and regularly carries out attacks, further destabilizing a region with numerous active militant groups.
