The armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo announced the release of 118 hostages held by ADF rebels, a Ugandan armed group affiliated with the Islamic State, in the east of the country. This is the highest number of releases since the start of joint operations with the Ugandan army in 2021. Which illustrates a key stage in this conflict which continues to intensify.
The 118 people released in Ituri include men, children and pregnant women. Currently, these ex-hostages remain under protection of the Congolese army along the Luna-Komanda strategic axis, which links North Kivu to Ituri, an area under constant military pressure to counter rebel movements. This release comes in a context of increased tensions in the east of the DRC.
Take back strategic positions from the ADF
Indeed, the Kinshasa authorities accuse Kigali of actively supporting certain rebel groups, notably the M23. This accusation further fuels regional frictions, complicating already fragile stabilization efforts. The Congolese forces are moving cautiously in identifying the released hostages, but not without remaining attentive to the risks of infiltration by ADF elements.
Military authorities do not rule out rebels posing as hostages, a scenario that is actively taken into account in security strategies. Significant military advances have made it possible to regain strategic positions formerly under ADF control, notably in areas of Rwenzori, Mwalika, as well as the infamous “triangle of death”.
Military pressure greater than ever
This region, which includes Oicha, Kamango and Eringeti, has been the scene of numerous massacres perpetrated by the rebels. With these recent victories, ADF fighters have been forced to redeploy. Some headed towards the Bapere sector, west of national road No. 4, while others retreated to the north, to the border between North Kivu and Ituri. These movements are closely followed by the Congolese army.
Experts in the region believe that the rebels’ objective remains to regain control of the triangle of death. Which would explain the violent fighting which continues around Komanda. With accusations of support for rebels weighing on Kigali, the conflict in eastern DRC shows no sign of easing, and military pressure remains greater than ever.
