Suspected Islamists in Eastern Congo Kill Over 80 in a Week

The death toll from attacks by suspected Islamist rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has risen to 41, bringing the total fatalities in the region to over 80 since Tuesday, according to a Congolese army spokesman.

Friday Night's Attack

Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay, the army spokesman in North Kivu province, reported that members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) carried out Friday night's attack on the villages of Masala, Mapasana, and Mahini.

The ADF's Presence in Eastern Congo

Originally from Uganda, the ADF has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and frequently launches attacks in eastern Congo, further destabilizing the region. The group is alleged to have conducted multiple assaults over the past week, including one in the village of Masawu that killed 17 people.

Recent Attacks and Casualties

• Thursday: Five bodies were found in Kabweli and Mamulese, and six bodies were recovered from a river in Mununze.

• Friday: Thirteen bodies were discovered in Makobu, increasing the total death toll to 82 since Tuesday.

Impact on Local Communities

During the attacks, armed men used guns and machetes, according to local official Fabien Kakule. A local health center was set ablaze, injuring nine people. Vusindi Nick Junior, a local civil society leader, confirmed the destruction and additional casualties.

International and Local Reactions

EU foreign affairs spokeswoman Nabila Massrali emphasized the urgent need for a political solution, noting that terrorist groups are exploiting the chaos to expand their influence. Former North Kivu governor Julien Paluku urged the national government to address the insecurity, expressing concern over the perceived abandonment of the region's residents.

The DRC government has yet to comment on Friday's attacks, and a government spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.