Clashes in Bafwasende: FARDC and Wazalendo repel armed group 9 km from the city centre

On Friday, 3 October 2025, an armed group, believed to be affiliated with the ADF, was repelled about 9 kilometres from the centre of Bafwasende, in Tshopo province. The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and local Wazalendo militiamen joined forces to counter this advance, after local youth had initially hindered the attackers' progress.

The clashes were reported near Buyuli, in the Bangbabi region, on the border of the Opienge territory. The situation caused widespread panic among the population, leading to mass displacement to Nia-Nia and Kisangani.

According to witnesses, heavy and light weapons fire could be heard as far away as central Bafwasende. Local authorities and civil society remain vigilant in the face of the persistent threat posed by the ADF in the region.