IS-Linked ADF Kill 89 in Eastern DR Congo Attacks

Militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), linked to the Islamic State, have escalated attacks in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's North Kivu region, resulting in at least 89 civilian deaths in recent weeks, including a brutal assault on a funeral in Ntoyo where victims were attacked with machetes. The ADF, which originated in Uganda in the 1990s and now operates across the border in Congo, has increased its insurgency strength, raising concerns amid ongoing regional instability. Efforts to combat the group involve local authorities and Congo's army amid fears of further violence. In parallel, other crises impact the continent, with Patrick Youssef of the International Committee of the Red Cross highlighting Africa's overlooked conflict burden, including the humanitarian disaster in Sudan and violence in the Sahel and Somalia, emphasizing the importance of neutrality to maintain humanitarian access. Additionally, the city of Goma has faced multiple fires this year, with coordinated firefighting efforts preventing casualties despite significant property damage, underscoring the challenges in managing emergencies in conflict-affected regions.