Terrorism review in DRC June to July

 

In June 2024, the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had significantly deteriorated, especially in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. The Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP)  notably increased its activity in the Lubero area of North Kivu, leading to widespread violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises.

The DRC government has been attempting to stabilize the region by deploying additional troops and enhancing security operations. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains limited due to the complex and volatile nature of the conflict. Additionally, The Wazalendo militia, a community defense force, has been involved in local defense efforts. Despite their efforts, they face challenges due to limited resources and training compared to the well-armed insurgents

The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has been actively assessing the security situation and providing support to local communities. From June 20-25, MONUSCO conducted a mission to assess the security and humanitarian situations in southern Lubero territory. MONUSCO has been working to facilitate humanitarian assistance and provide protection to displaced populations. However, attacks on MONUSCO personnel and assets have complicated their efforts, with the UN calling for a responsible and sustainable withdrawal of the mission.

Additionally, as part of the hunt for ISCAP, the Congolese army and MONUSCO launched a joint operation in the territory of Beni, in North Kivu. MONUSCO made this information public on Monday, June 3, 2024. The operation called “Cheng Gong” is aimed at establishing mobile bases in several towns in Beni in order to limit the movements of the ISCAP in order to neutralize them. According to the iontelligence, these mobile bases will be established in Mamove, Samboko and on the Musuku – Kudukudu-Mandumbi axis.

The launch of this joint operation comes in a context of renewed terror activities in the surroundings of the rural commune of Mangina and part of the neighboring Babila Babombi chiefdom in the Mambasa territory.

The security situation in the DRC, particularly in North Kivu’s Lubero territory, remains dire with ISCAP’s increased activity exacerbating the already fragile environment. While the DRC government, local militias, MONUSCO, and SADC troops are making concerted efforts to counter the insurgency and provide humanitarian relief, significant challenges persist. The international community continues to call for enhanced support and coordinated actions to address the multifaceted crisis in the region.

Series of terror events in  Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the month of June

 28th June- ISCAP insurgents attacked Congolese Armed forces in Kambau, Lubero Region in North Kivu.

 28th June- insurgents led and armed assault against civilians in Kambau, Lubero region

 27th June- several Christians were captured and executed in Idohu in Ituri Province.

 26th June- civilians were attacked by ISCAP militants in Ngere, Lubero Region.

 25th June- ISCAP militants ambushed Christians near Ndjiapanda in Lubero region.

 24th June- two Christians were captured and executed by ISCAP militants in Ndjiapanda in Lubero region.

 22nd June- ISCAP militants conducted an armed assault against civilians in Ofai in Ituri province.

 20th June- ISCAP militants ambushed militia forces loyal to the Congolese armed forces in Ndjiapanda in Lubero Region.

 20th June- Militants clashed with a foot patrol of the Congolese armed forces in Ndjiapanda in Lubero.

 20th June- ISCAP militants capture and execute 22 Christians in Bamande Village in Ituri.

 19th June- ISCAP militants conducted an armed assault against Congolese Army Barracks near Samboko in Ituri.

 19th June- ISCAP insurgents led and armed assault against civilians in Esege, Lubero region.

 19th June- ISCAP insurgents led and armed assault against Congolese security forces in Esege, Lubero region.

 18th June- militants led an armed assault against civilians in Mbata in Lubero Region.

 14th June- ISCAP insurgents led and armed assault against civilians in Lumba, North Kivu

 12th June- insurgents attacked the Christian Village of Masongo along RN2 in Beni region.

 12th June- at least 45 Christians were killed by ISCAP insurgents uin Mayikengo village in Lubero area

 11th June- at least 10 Christians were killed by ISCAP insurgents in Manya village in Ituri

 11th June- ISCAP militants attacked and terrorized Mbandaka and four surrounding villages in Beni region.

 10th June- ISCAP militants captured and executed 3 Christians near Kantin in Beni.

 9th June- Makwasa village in Beni region was attacked by suspected militants ISCAP militants.

 9th June- Islamists conducted and armed assault on the village north of the town of Kantin in Beni.

 6th June- ISCAP militants ambushed a vehicle, in Kanialuna village, between Kabasha and Kalunguta, on the Beni-Butembo-Kasindi Road in Beni Region.

 7th June- armed militants killed at least 60 civilians in Masali area in Beni.

 7th June- at least 4 Christians were killed in Kantin region in Beni.

 5th June- several civilians were attacked by ISCAP militants on the RN2 in Kyavikere in North Kivu.

 4th June- ISCAP Militants led an armed assault on civilians on the RN4 in Sesa Ituri Province.

 4th June- ISCAP Militants led an armed assault on civilians in the Mashua area in North Kivu.

 3rd June- ISCAP Militants led an armed assault on civilians in Mangina, North Kivu.

 3rd June- ISCAP militants captured and killed a civilian on RN4 near Ndalya in Ituri.

 2nd June- Islamic State militants attacked civilians In Kainama, North Kivu.

Recommendations

To effectively combat the rising threat of terrorist groups in East and Central Africa, a multifaceted approach is essential. The following recommendations outline critical steps to enhance regional security and stability:

Enhanced regional collaboration is crucial. Strengthening alliances and fostering joint operations among countries in East and Central Africa will address the transnational nature of terrorist activities. Improved coordination and intelligence sharing will enhance the collective ability to track and dismantle insurgent networks that operate across borders.

To effectively combat the rising threat of terrorist groups in East and Central Africa, a multifaceted approach is essential. The following recommendations outline critical steps to enhance regional security and stability:

Enhanced regional collaboration is crucial. Strengthening alliances and fostering joint operations among countries in East and Central Africa will address the transnational nature of terrorist activities. Improved coordination and intelligence sharing will enhance the collective ability to track and dismantle insurgent networks that operate across borders.

Support for local forces must be increased. Providing more training and resources for local security forces and community defense groups will significantly improve their effectiveness in counter-insurgency operations. Empowering these forces to protect their communities more effectively is vital for sustained security.

Developing comprehensive counter-insurgency strategies is necessary. These strategies should integrate military actions with initiatives to address the underlying socio-economic grievances that fuel insurgency. By tackling the root causes of terrorism, these holistic approaches can help reduce the appeal of insurgent groups and prevent future recruitment.

Ensuring sustained humanitarian assistance is also essential. Continuous international support for humanitarian efforts is needed to aid displaced populations and rebuild affected communities. This support will help mitigate the impact of violence on civilians and contribute to long-term regional stability.

Finally, monitoring and adaptation are key components of an effective counter-terrorism strategy. Regularly assessing and adapting counter-terrorism strategies in response to the evolving tactics of insurgent groups will ensure that efforts remain relevant and effective. This dynamic approach will enable security forces to stay ahead of terrorist threats and respond promptly to new challenges.

Conclusion and Insights

The security landscape in East and Central Africa remains fraught with challenges as terrorist activities by Islamic State affiliates continue to destabilize the region. Despite some successful counter-terrorism efforts, such as the repelling of ISM’s assault in Mozambique and joint operations in the DRC, insurgent groups remain resilient and capable of conducting lethal attacks. The effectiveness of military responses is hampered by the insurgents’ mobility, use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and their ability to exploit local grievances.

Key Insights:

1. Persistent Threat: The Islamic State affiliates in Mozambique and the DRC are showing a persistent threat capability, evidenced by the frequency and brutality of their attacks in June 2024.

2. Humanitarian Impact: The ongoing violence is exacerbating humanitarian crises, displacing populations, and overwhelming local resources. Efforts by MONUSCO and other international bodies are critical but insufficient in the face of escalating violence.

3. Cross-Border Dynamics: The withdrawal of SAMIM and the increased role of Tanzanian forces in Mozambique highlight the importance of regional cooperation in countering terrorism. The porous borders and shared security challenges necessitate coordinated efforts across East and Central Africa.

4. Rehabilitation and Reintegration: Mozambique’s initiative to establish rehabilitation centers for former insurgents is a positive step towards long-term peace. However, the success of such programs depends on sustained security and community support.

5. Digital Crackdown: The dismantling of IS’s online platforms is a significant achievement in disrupting their propaganda and recruitment efforts. Continued international collaboration is essential to target and dismantle these digital networks.