UN Warns Operation Shujaa Has Failed to Eliminate ADF Threat Despite Years of Joint

Beni, July 5, 2026 - Nearly five years after the launch of Operation Shujaa, the joint military campaign by the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda against armed groups in eastern DRC, a United Nations assessment highlights persistent challenges, including troop shortages, operational constraints, and the continued expansion of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) threat. The operation, launched in 2021 by the FARDC and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), was designed primarily to dismantle ADF networks operating in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. However, a recent assessment indicates that while several military operations have disrupted the group’s activities, they have not succeeded in eliminating its senior leadership. The report notes that new offensives were conducted in February 2026 against ADF positions in Mambasa and Irumu territories, including an operation targeting the group’s command structures. Although weapons, explosives, and military equipment were seized, the main ADF leaders reportedly managed to escape. According to the assessment, military pressure has contributed to the geographical dispersal of the ADF, forcing fighters deeper into remote forest areas northeast of Mambasa. However, this displacement has also expanded the group’s operational reach and increased risks for civilian populations. The UN experts identified several factors limiting the effectiveness of Operation Shujaa, including intelligence gaps, coordination difficulties, and insufficient resources. They also noted that FARDC operations against the AFC/M23 rebellion have reduced the availability of troops for operations against the ADF. Facing these constraints, the Congolese army has increasingly relied on cooperation with Wazalendo armed groups operating in several areas. These include local armed factions involved in operations against ADF positions, particularly around Manguredjipa in Lubero territory and other strategic locations. The report also refers to the reported death of ADF commander Muhammad Kasibante, known as Difenda or Defender, following clashes with Shujaa forces in March 2026. However, UN experts indicated that they were unable to independently verify the information. The assessment comes amid continued deadly attacks against civilians attributed to the ADF, worsening the humanitarian situation in parts of North Kivu and Ituri. Communities in Beni, Mambasa, and surrounding areas continue to face insecurity despite the presence of joint Congolese and Ugandan forces. The persistent violence has fueled displacement and increased frustration among local populations, with some residents expressing concerns over the ability of authorities to provide effective protection. In response to the ongoing crisis, the UN has repeatedly called for an end to attacks against civilians and urged all armed actors to respect international humanitarian law. The continuation of Operation Shujaa follows a revised cooperation framework between Kinshasa and Kampala, signed in 2025, which expanded joint operations against the ADF and other armed groups threatening security in eastern DRC. Under the updated arrangement, FARDC and UPDF forces were expected to strengthen intelligence cooperation, expand operations into additional areas such as Mambasa territory, and support security efforts along key transport routes, including the Kasindi-Beni-Butembo corridor. Despite these renewed efforts, the situation remains fragile. The ADF continues to represent one of the most serious security threats in eastern DRC, demonstrating resilience despite sustained military pressure and regional cooperation.