Uganda and DR Congo forces free over 200 from ADF captivity

Civilians rescued from camp controlled by Islamic State-linked militant group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

More than 200 civilians held by the Allied Democratic Forces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo were freed in a joint military operation by Ugandan and Congolese forces, Uganda's army said on Monday¹². The captives had been held at a camp along the River Epulu run by the militant group, which is linked to the Islamic State².

Those rescued described harsh conditions including lack of food, forced labour and punishment for disobedience, according to a Ugandan military statement¹². Several appeared frail and suffered from untreated illnesses such as malaria, respiratory infections and physical exhaustion². "You are not under detention. You are victims of abduction, and we shall ensure you are handed over to the relevant authorities so you can reunite with your families," Maj Gen Stephen M told the freed captives¹.

The timing and locations of the abductions were not disclosed¹. The rescues occurred last week, Uganda's military said².

The Allied Democratic Forces originated in Uganda in the 1990s, formed by people disgruntled with the government's treatment of Muslims¹. The group pledged allegiance to the Islamic State a decade ago and is referred to by some experts as an ISIL affiliate in Central Africa². After being routed by Uganda's army, the remnants fled across the border into DR Congo 25 years ago¹².

Uganda and DR Congo launched a joint offensive in 2021 to drive the ADF from its Congolese strongholds, but it has failed to end the group's attacks¹.