An overnight attack by suspected Islamist militants on a village in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in the deaths of 36 people, as reported by a local official, the head of a civil society group, and a survivor. The attack is believed to have been carried out by members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group from Uganda that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
The attack took place in the Beni territory of North Kivu province, which has experienced a surge in violence in recent months. The ADF has been active in the region for more than two decades and has been responsible for numerous attacks on civilians, including kidnappings, massacres, and bombings.
The Congolese military has been fighting against the ADF for years, with the help of UN peacekeepers. However, the group has continued to carry out attacks, often targeting villages and civilians.
The latest attack has sparked outrage among the local population, who are demanding that the government take stronger action to protect them from the ongoing violence. The authorities have condemned the attack and pledged to take all necessary measures to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The situation in eastern Congo remains volatile, with numerous armed groups operating in the region and fighting for control of territory and resources. The violence has resulted in the displacement of millions of people and has had a devastating impact on the local population.
