Over 200 Civilians Freed from IS-Linked ADF in DR Congo

Ugandan forces, alongside their Congolese allies, have successfully liberated over 200 civilians detained by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group tied to the Islamic State. The operation targeted a camp in eastern DR Congo, where the group had been holding hostages. Among those freed were children, including a 14-year-old girl, as reported by Ugandan military officials.

ADF’s Origins and Escalation

The ADF was established in Uganda during the 1990s by individuals dissatisfied with the government’s treatment of Muslims. After facing military setbacks in their home country, the group retreated to DR Congo, where it has since intensified its activities. Despite a joint offensive launched in 2021 with DR Congo to expel the ADF from its strongholds, the group continues to carry out attacks.

Ugandan authorities described the conditions endured by captives as “extremely harsh,” citing reports of starvation, forced labor, and physical punishment. Some survivors exhibited signs of fatigue, malaria, and respiratory issues, according to the statement. Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, commander of the Uganda-Congolese mission, reassured freed hostages: “You are not under detention. You are victims of abduction, and we shall ensure you are handed over to the relevant authorities so you can reunite with your families.”

Recent Attacks and ADF’s Role in Conflict

The ADF has operated in DR Congo for two decades, gaining infamy for its kidnappings and killings. In 2016, its leader, Musa Seka Baluku, reportedly swore allegiance to Islamic State. IS formally recognized the group’s presence in the region only in April 2019. Over the years, ADF rebels have been linked to several incidents, including suicide bombings in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, in 2021, and attacks on schools in western Uganda in 2023.

A 2024 BBC Monitoring study revealed that the ADF accounted for more than half of civilian fatalities in the conflict-affected eastern region of DR Congo. A researcher from Amnesty International noted the “alarming frequency” of these attacks, highlighting how women and girls were often exploited as sexual slaves. Survivors described fleeing villages under attack by armed fighters, enduring months or years of captivity with minimal food and forced into labor.

The military operation resulted in the deaths of several ADF fighters and the seizure of a weapons stash. However, details about casualties among Ugandan or Congolese troops were not disclosed. The mission underscores ongoing challenges in the region, as the ADF persists in its violent tactics despite cross-border cooperation.

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