Rebel Attacks Leave Extensive Brutality in Their Wake in Democratic Republic of Congo

Amnesty International Report Accuses Rebel Group in DRC of War Crimes

A report by Amnesty International has accused a rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of committing mass war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which pledged allegiance to ISIS/ISIL in 2019, is alleged to have been responsible for multiple cases of murder, abduction, forced labour, marriage, sexual abuse, and the exploitation of children.

According to the report, civilians in eastern DRC have suffered extensive brutality at the hands of ADF fighters. The group has killed, abducted, and tortured civilians, including children, in a campaign of abuse that has contributed to an escalating humanitarian crisis.

The ADF operates largely in eastern DRC, near the Ugandan border, and has been in conflict with the government’s Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the UN mission MONUSCO. The group has intensified its military operations in the region following international and domestic focus on other attacks.

Amnesty International interviewed 71 people, including survivors of ADF attacks, humanitarian workers, and police officers, as part of its research in North Kivu province. The report documents 46 cases of abduction, including hostages being held for ransom, enduring torture, sexual slavery, forced labour, or murder.

The group’s tactics include forcing civilians into marriages with ADF fighters, under threat of death, and subjecting them to physical and sexual violence. Survivors have reported being made to carry heavy loads, receiving little food, and being taught how to kill with weapons and blades.

Amnesty International has called on the DRC government to take stronger action to protect civilians and work with the UN and local communities to improve early warning systems and respond quickly to attacks. The organization also emphasizes the need for peace and reintegration programmes to help survivors and communities cope with their trauma.

Source: Al Jazeera