Description: The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamic State – affiliated terrorist group, has attacked several counties in the eastern province of Ituri in the DRC. More than 25 civilians have been killed, including women and children, while houses were reportedly reduced to dust. The UN has reported that ADF followed up on their previous attacks in Apakolu and Kazaraho the week previously where they clashed with the army and local militia groups. The Islamic State has separately claimed responsibility for other attacks conducted in the Ituri and Lubero provinces between 23 and 26 Jan where more than 35 people were killed including two soldiers while approximately 20 houses and two military barracks were set on fire.
Impact: The ADF is exploiting the power vacuum created in the conflict – ridden eastern parts of the DRC in absence of concrete instruments to enforce the ceasefire and peace agreements signed between the M23 rebel forces and the DRC government. The violence has been consistent for more than a year while the peace platform has continuously collapsed despite international mediation by the US. The organization has proven to be capable in waging their terror campaign across multiple fronts as they have simultaneously clashed with the DRC military and local militia groups, including the M23 rebel forces or their offshoot organizations. The ADF would continue to expand their foothold in eastern DRC, aggravating the security situation while diminishing the prospects for peaceful resolution of conflict between the DRC and the M23 rebels.