In a series of attacks in eastern Congo’s North Kivu province, militants believed to be linked to the Islamic State group, known as the Allied Democratic Forces, killed at least 12 villagers on January 30. The attackers targeted three villages in the Beni territory, resulting in fatalities and looting. Eastern Congo has been plagued by armed violence for decades, with numerous groups vying for power, land, and valuable mineral resources.
The conflict escalated in late 2021 when the dormant rebel group M23 resurfaced, allegedly with support from Rwanda, a claim denied by the neighboring country. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi reiterated his accusations against M23 and ruled out talks with Rwanda’s leader, Paul Kagame, emphasizing that no dialogue would occur as long as Rwanda occupies part of Congolese territory.