ADF Stronghold Dismantled by Joint FARDC-UPDF Operation in Mambasa

Mambasa, Ituri, January 5, 2026 - The Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), in cooperation with the Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF), dismantled an ADF rebel stronghold last week in Matolo-Kaseni, near the Ituri River. The joint operation was announced on Monday, January 5, during an evaluation meeting in the Babila Bakwanza chiefdom, Mambasa territory. Both forces pledged to continue and intensify operations against the ADF in other villages where the rebels are attempting to regroup and attack local communities. According to military sources, the nighttime operation, conducted from December 29 to 30, targeted a major ADF stronghold on the border between the Mambasa and Irumu territories. Provincial deputies and civil society representatives, who accompanied the military delegation to Elake to assess progress, welcomed the efforts but called for the establishment of military positions in Elake, Leta, and Sita Rudi to ensure that local populations can safely access their fields. Officials in Mambasa also urged that the joint operations be extended westward to Lolwa and Menzimenzi, where ADF fighters are reportedly regrouping in preparation for new attacks. These measures form part of a months-long collaboration between the FARDC and UPDF aimed at neutralizing ADF activity and protecting civilians in the region.