The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has strongly condemned recent deadly attacks on mining sites in the eastern Ituri province, blaming militants linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
The latest incident targeted the Muchacha mining site in Mambasa territory earlier this month.
Authorities described the attack as a terrorist act and vowed to pursue those responsible.
In a statement released Sunday, the government said security forces would continue operations against armed groups threatening civilians.
Officials pledged to pursue what they described as “negative forces” until full state authority is restored in the region.
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According to local media reports citing civil society organisations, the attackers:
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Killed seven people
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Abducted dozens of civilians
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Looted property
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Burned houses during their retreat
The attack also reportedly sparked a fire at the mining facility and forced many residents to flee.
The Congolese army said it has intensified operations against the ADF.
During recent combat operations in Mambasa territory, soldiers destroyed several militant strongholds and recovered explosives.
Eastern Congo has long been one of Africa’s most volatile conflict zones.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned last week that ongoing violence is having a serious impact on civilians in Ituri province.
Humanitarian groups reported that clashes in villages near Djugu territory have killed at least 21 people since early March and displaced many families.
Since 2021, the Congolese military has conducted joint operations with the Uganda against ADF fighters.
The group, active in eastern Congo for several years, is affiliated with the extremist network known as Islamic State.
ADF militants claimed responsibility for the mining site attacks on Saturday.
