At least 17 people, believed to be Christians, were killed on 19 May during a series of attacks blamed on Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants in the Mambasa territory of Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Local reports say the violence began in the village of Alima before the attackers moved into surrounding communities, including Manyama, where several homes were set on fire.
Civil society leader Peresi Mamboro of Babila Babombi said the death toll remains provisional, as many residents are still missing and access to the affected areas remains limited due to ongoing insecurity.
“The number of deaths has now reached 17,” he said. “The attackers passed through Alima, then set fire to several places, including Manyama and the surrounding area. This figure is still provisional because the enemy continues to move freely in the region.”
Witnesses said the armed group crossed National Road 44 along the Biakato–Mambasa route before splitting into smaller units and moving through different directions after the attack.
Human rights defender Zephani Kataliko said the militants divided into two groups after the assault, with one heading east and the other moving west through nearby areas.
Local leaders have urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious movement as fear spreads across the region.
“We call on the population to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” Mamboro added.
The latest attack adds to growing insecurity in parts of eastern DRC, where ADF fighters have been repeatedly accused of targeting civilians. Many communities in Ituri Province have faced cycles of violence in recent weeks.
The situation is further complicated by an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region. Health officials have warned residents to avoid close contact and maintain hygiene measures, but these precautions are difficult to follow for families fleeing attacks or hiding in forests.
Displaced residents often lack access to clean water, shelter, and medical care, increasing concerns about the spread of disease alongside the ongoing violence.
Local leaders warn that continued instability could allow armed groups to operate more freely in remote forested areas, further worsening both security and humanitarian conditions for civilians trapped in the conflict zone.
Adapted from ICC; rewritten for this publication.
