Nine ADF Hostages Escape After FARDC-UPDF Strikes Near Elake

Mambasa, Ituri, August 5, 2026 - Nine civilians, including five women, who were abducted by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in May near Byakato, managed to escape following a series of bombardments conducted by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in coordination with the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) in the Elake forest area of Babila Bakwanza. The escapees arrived in Lwemba on the evening of August 4, where they faced immediate danger as they were nearly lynched by local residents who suspected them of being ADF militants. The situation escalated until intervention from the National Police of the Congo (PNC) and FARDC forces prevented mob justice from taking place.

Rights defender Zephani Kataliko expressed grave concerns regarding the potential for mob violence, urging the community to refrain from taking justice into their own hands. He emphasized the importance of due process and the need for authorities to properly investigate the identities of the escapees. Meanwhile, the town of Babila Babombi remains under heavy pressure from ADF activities, with residents participating in ville-morte protests to express their discontent and fear of the ongoing violence. The recent events highlight the precarious security situation in Ituri province, where the ADF continues to exert influence and instill fear among local populations.