At least 30 civilians were killed in a series of brutal attacks by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in Bapere village, located in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to military officials and local civil society leaders.

The killings occurred between Wednesday and Friday, with victims reportedly slaughtered with knives and homes set ablaze. A local administrator confirmed that over 100 people remain hostage, raising fears of further atrocities. The ADF, an armed group with roots in Uganda and ties to the Islamic State, has intensified its operations in eastern Congo despite ongoing joint military efforts by Uganda and the DRC.

This latest massacre follows a string of deadly incidents attributed to the ADF, including the July 27 attack on a Christian congregation in Komanda village, Ituri province, where at least 40 worshippers, including 13 children, were killed. Earlier that month, the group reportedly murdered 70 civilians in Pikamaibo village, underscoring the scale and brutality of its campaign.

The violence in North Kivu adds to the complex security crisis in eastern Congo, where dozens of armed groups—including M23, CODECO, and Raia Mutomboki—continue to terrorize civilians. The UN Human Rights Office has documented widespread sexual violence, mass killings, and forced displacement, warning that the region is experiencing one of its worst humanitarian breakdowns in decades.

In Oicha, another town in North Kivu, ADF militants recently attacked a local cinema, killing nine football fans and torching homes. These incidents reflect the group’s evolving tactics, targeting public gatherings and civilian infrastructure to instill fear and disrupt community life.

Despite peace agreements signed in Washington and Doha earlier this summer, violence has surged. The UN has urged signatories to translate diplomatic commitments into real protection for civilians, but humanitarian groups say little has changed on the ground.

The military administrator for Bapere has called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. However, local communities continue to face limited access to security forces, scarce humanitarian aid, and ongoing displacement.

The ADF’s resurgence poses a grave threat to regional stability, and analysts warn that without coordinated international support, the cycle of violence will persist. The UN and African Union have called for enhanced peacekeeping mandates, cross-border intelligence sharing, and urgent humanitarian assistance.

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