The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda have agreed to continue joint military operations against the ADF rebels, highlighting the persistent threat in eastern DRC and Uganda. President Félix Tshisekedi has called for strengthened military cooperation to combat the ADF, a deadly armed group aligned with ISIS.
Despite ongoing efforts, the ADF remains a significant threat, responsible for over 1,000 civilian deaths in 2023. The conflict has led to 467 civilian casualties between June and September 2024, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Humanitarian Crisis and Security Challenges
Nearly 1.7 million people are internally displaced in North Kivu, with half a million more in South Kivu. While military operations have weakened the ADF, the conflict persists, with attacks on civilians and the recruitment of child soldiers.
The UN mission MONUSCO is withdrawing, raising concerns about security. The conflict has also impacted the mining sector, leading to a suspension of mining activities in South Kivu.
The extension of the Uganda-DRC military alliance reflects a commitment to addressing regional security challenges, but a comprehensive political solution may be needed for lasting peace.