PR/ OSMR/2025
Kinshasa, 18 August 2025- The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) strongly condemns the attacks carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) armed group between 9 and 16 August 2025 in several localities of Beni and Lubero territories, in North Kivu province.
These attacks claimed the lives of at least 52 civilians, including eight women and two children, one of whom was a young girl. The death toll may rise. The violence was accompanied by abductions, looting, the burning of homes, vehicles, and motorcycles, as well as the destruction of property belonging to populations already facing dire humanitarian conditions.
“These attacks targeting civilians, which add to the atrocities committed during the night of 26 to 27 July in Komanda (Irumu territory, Ituri), are intolerable and constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. I extend my sincere condolences, and those of the United Nations, to the bereaved families and communities, and reaffirm my solidarity with the affected populations,” said Ms. Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the DRC and Head of MONUSCO.
MONUSCO reiterates the United Nations Secretary-General’s call for foreign armed groups to lay down their arms unconditionally and return to their countries of origin. The Mission urges the Congolese authorities to conduct thorough investigations to identify those responsible for the massacres of civilians and bring them to justice.
In response to this new wave of violence, MONUSCO has reinforced its military presence and support to Congolese authorities. On 13 and 14 August, during incidents in Mayi-Moya (North Kivu), the Mission provided physical protection to 206 civilians, including 70 women and 93 children, who sought refuge at its military base. At the same time, its Intervention Brigade conducted joint night patrols with the FARDC.
MONUSCO, in coordination with the FARDC and local authorities, has strengthened its protection efforts by deploying day and night patrols to secure Oicha and surrounding areas, and to assess additional protection measures in densely populated zones such as the Mavivi–Eringeti axis (North Kivu).
In Ituri, MONUSCO’s Intervention Brigade deployed additional troops to Komanda and Ofaye. MONUSCO field offices in Bunia and Beni are working closely with local authorities to protect civilians.
MONUSCO remains fully committed to supporting Congolese authorities and local communities in preventing further violence, protecting civilians, reducing tensions, and contributing to the stabilization of areas affected by armed conflict.