In the Mambasa territory, located in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, more than 30 civilians lost their lives during May 2023, according to reports from the human rights NGO PROTECTION PLUS. These deaths are the result of a series of attacks attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group active in the region.

The most recent incidents occurred between Sunday, May 20, and Monday, May 21, during which at least 25 people were killed. The attacks took place in the chiefdoms of Walese-Karo and Babila Babombi, areas already known for their security instability. According to a statement issued by PROTECTION PLUS, these events constitute "an unbearable human tragedy."

The chief of the Walese-Karo grouping reported that the assailants also destroyed several houses and took valuable belongings from residents. "At the same time, they (the assailants) looted valuable goods," he specified. This climate of violence is driving many residents to flee to supposedly safer areas.

The security situation in Mambasa is not new. Military Governor Johnny Luboya Nkashama recently expressed his concern regarding this alarming situation. He called for increased mobilization of military forces to protect civilian populations and to put an end to the impunity enjoyed by these armed groups.

Humanitarian agencies on the ground are attempting to assess the extent of the urgent needs of the victims and those displaced by this violence. However, humanitarian access remains hindered by the growing insecurity in this part of the country.