IS-Affiliated ADF Escalates Violence in Eastern DRC

In one of the deadliest attacks in recent months, armed fighters from the Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) massacred at least 43 civilians during a night vigil at Saint Anuarite Catholic Church in Komanda, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The attack, which took place on July 27, included the abduction of children and widespread arson in the surrounding community.

The United Nations, the Vatican, and human rights groups have condemned the incident. The ADF, which operates primarily in Ituri and North Kivu provinces, later claimed responsibility via a Telegram post. Analysts see the attack as part of the group’s strategy to reassert dominance amid new regional peace accords.

Strategic Resurgence Amid Peace Talks

The timing of the assault coincides with recent breakthroughs in peace negotiations. In July, the DRC government signed landmark agreements with both Rwanda and the M23 rebel group to cease hostilities, brokered respectively by the US and Qatar.

“The ADF likely wants to take advantage of the pacifist moment to remind the world of its existence,” said Nico Minde, an analyst at the Institute for Security Studies. “With attention diverted to M23, ADF has greater operational freedom.”

The ADF, which declared allegiance to ISIL in 2019, has evolved from a Ugandan Islamist insurgency into a brutal, well-armed militant force with an estimated 1,000–1,500 fighters. It operates out of camps equipped with schools, clinics, prisons, and internal security networks. A UN report states ISIL central provides financial support to the group.

Regional Concerns and Uganda's Role

Uganda has maintained a significant military presence in eastern DRC since 2021, leading "Operation Shujaa" in cooperation with Congolese and UN troops. However, the presence of up to 4,000 Ugandan soldiers has raised suspicions in Kinshasa, especially after historical grievances involving foreign plunder of Congolese resources.

Ugandan army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye defended Kampala’s military operations, citing both security and commercial interests. “Can commerce take place where there is instability?” he asked, noting Uganda is one of the DRC’s top regional trading partners.

Yet Uganda faces accusations of supporting M23 rebels and using ADF threats to expand its economic footprint. MONUSCO and Congolese sources have alleged Uganda allowed M23 passage through its territory, with General Muhoozi Kainerugaba — President Museveni’s son — previously expressing support for M23 online.

A Growing Threat Across Borders

ISIL’s decentralised model has empowered groups like the ADF to operate independently but lethally. The US designated the ADF as a terrorist organization in 2021, citing its death toll in the hundreds, if not thousands. This year alone, ADF attacks killed more than 100 civilians, including 41 in a July 9 attack in Ituri and 18 in May in North Kivu.

Analysts warn that if unchecked, ADF's growing aggression could further destabilize not just the DRC, but the broader Great Lakes region.