The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has reported that at least 89 civilians were killed in attacks carried out by rebels linked to the Islamic State in the Lubero territory in the country’s east.
The attacks occurred between 13 and 19 November in North Kivu province and included an assault on a health centre in Byambwe, where 17 people — including women receiving maternity care — were killed. The attackers also set fire to four patient wards.
MONUSCO stated that members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) were responsible for additional abductions and the looting of medical supplies, urging Congolese authorities to launch immediate and independent investigations.
The ADF — recognised by the Islamic State as its Central Africa Province affiliate — have continued their assaults despite joint military operations by Congolese and Ugandan forces.
The region is also witnessing increased activity from another rebel group supported by Rwanda.
