Suspected ADF Movements Trigger New Displacement In North Kivu

Lubero, August 5, 2026 - Residents fled Kambau and Pawanza during the night of August 2-3 toward Njiapanda and Butembo after suspected Allied Democratic Forces movements were reported near Maikengu Bapakombe Bapere in North Kivu.

The displacement has heightened alarm along the Kambau-Njiapanda axis, where communities are already under pressure from repeated attacks and rumors of militant movement. Civil society leader Kasereka Kagheni Samuel called for stronger security measures and urged elected officials to take a more active role in responding to the violence.

The latest flight follows a recent attack in Makumo that killed about ten people, as well as violence on July 21-22 that left at least seven dead. The persistent ADF threat continues to disrupt livelihoods, movement and local commerce in an area critical to eastern DRC's rural economy.

Local authorities face growing pressure to restore confidence and prevent further displacement as civilians abandon homes in search of safety.