The territory of Mambasa, in the Ituri province, has once again been struck by violence attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). A fresh attack on Thursday, April 9, 2026, resulted in the abduction of numerous civilians, leaving the local population in a state of shock.
Conflicting Reports on the Scale of the Kidnappings
The incursion targeted the village of Makoko-Quartuma, located at PK 18 (18 kilometers) from Mambasa-Centre. According to local civil society organizations, the toll is heavy: at least 27 civilians were reportedly taken by force by the insurgents.
However, politico-military authorities in the area provided a more conservative estimate, reporting that ten farmers were kidnapped. Despite the discrepancy in numbers, five hostages managed to escape this Friday. Their testimonies confirm the presence of heavily armed men operating in the forests surrounding the territorial capital.
Military Pursuit Underway
In response to the threat, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have launched pursuit operations. Military authorities assured that units are currently deployed in the surrounding forests to track down the rebels and attempt to rescue those held captive.
Call for Increased Vigilance
While calling for an intensification of military offensives, civil society leaders are urging residents to remain cautious. They have specifically recommended:
Heightened surveillance during farming activities.
Immediate reporting of any suspicious movements to security forces.
Strengthened community solidarity to counter the persistent insecurity in the region.
This latest attack underscores the fragile security situation in Ituri, where ADF incursions continue to severely disrupt the socio-economic lives of rural populations.
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