The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group operating in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), have reportedly overrun 12 villages in the Bambodi sector of Tshopo Province, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes.
Tryphen Mabikinyambey, a member of the provincial parliament representing Bafwasende, said the armed group is now operating only a few hours’ walk from several communities in Tshopo Province.
According to him, the ADF has maintained a presence for several months in villages inhabited by the Badumbisa community in neighbouring Mambasa Territory before expanding its activities into Bambodi.
He said many displaced civilians have sought refuge in Nia Nia, Bafwasende Centre, and Kisangani as insecurity continues to spread.
Mabikinyambey expressed concern over what he described as an inadequate response from national, provincial, and local authorities despite repeated reports about the group’s presence.
He warned that the continuing attacks have forced residents to abandon entire communities, leaving schools closed, health facilities non operational, and mining camps deserted.
According to the lawmaker, deteriorating security conditions have made daily life increasingly difficult for those who remain in affected areas.
He called on the Congolese government to launch a comprehensive security operation to protect civilians and prevent further displacement.
Mabikinyambey said the ADF is relocating from parts of North Kivu where it has come under pressure from joint military operations conducted by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Uganda People’s Defence Force under Operation Shujaa.
He warned that as military operations intensify in one area, the group has increasingly shifted its activities into less protected communities in Mambasa and Bafwasende.
According to him, the armed group has also reportedly distributed written threats to communities in Bafwasende Territory and Tshopo Province.
The latest displacement follows a series of deadly attacks across eastern DRC.
Local civil society organisations reported that several bodies were recovered in the Kingeste and Ngite areas following recent attacks, while community leaders warned that the death toll had continued to rise.
Louis Kisaki, president of the Batangi Mbau civil society organisation, called for stronger military action to pursue the attackers and prevent further violence against civilians.
The renewed attacks have created widespread fear across Mbau and neighbouring communities, prompting many families to stop spending nights in their homes and relocate to relatively safer areas, including Oicha in Beni Territory.
Residents also report that economic activities have been severely disrupted as insecurity continues to affect trade, farming, and other livelihoods.
According to local reports, at least 40 people have been killed during attacks carried out over a three day period in Beni Territory, while several civilians were abducted and remain in captivity.
Humanitarian concerns continue to grow as repeated attacks by the ADF force more communities to flee, disrupt essential public services, and deepen the security crisis across eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Source: MSF News
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