DRC Lawmaker Calls for Greater Military Support to End ADF Violence in Beni

Kinshasa, July 14, 2026 - National Assembly member Enock Batsotsi Nyamwisi has called for increased financial and logistical support for the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), arguing that sustained resources are essential to defeating the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and ending the persistent violence in Beni and surrounding areas. The appeal came during a meeting in Kinshasa with General Jacques Ychaligonza Nduru, Deputy Chief of Staff of the FARDC in charge of operations and intelligence. The discussions focused on ongoing military operations against the ADF, whose attacks continue to cause civilian casualties and insecurity in North Kivu. Representing Beni Territory, Batsotsi conveyed the concerns of local communities affected by repeated attacks and urged the government to ensure that military operations are backed by adequate funding, logistics, and infrastructure. He stressed that military campaigns cannot succeed without sufficient operational resources, expressing confidence that the government would provide the army with the support needed to sustain operations on the ground. During the meeting, General Ychaligonza reportedly outlined the implementation of an integrated interprovincial operational plan designed to strengthen coordination among security forces across provinces affected by ADF activities. The strategy aims to improve joint military operations and enhance efforts to neutralize the armed group. According to the lawmaker, the senior military officer also reaffirmed the General Staff's commitment, under the leadership of President Félix Tshisekedi, to restoring the country's territorial integrity and addressing ongoing security threats. Batsotsi further emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between civilians and the military, describing public support as a key element in efforts to combat both the ADF insurgency and broader security challenges in eastern DRC. He also called for stricter military discipline, criticizing the existence of illegal checkpoints allegedly established by some soldiers in operational areas. Such practices, he argued, restrict civilian movement and undermine public confidence in the armed forces, stressing that professionalism and discipline remain essential to the success of military operations against armed groups. Conclusion The first half of July 2026 underscores the complex and multifaceted challenges confronting the Democratic Republic of Congo, revealing a persistent gap between notable diplomatic advances, institutional reforms, and the difficult realities unfolding on the ground. On the international stage, the DRC continued to strengthen its diplomatic positioning by leveraging its rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council to advance discussions on conflict-related sexual violence and promote natural resource governance as a key pillar of sustainable peace. At the national level, Kinshasa pursued institutional consolidation through reforms aimed at strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms, enhancing financial transparency with CENAREF’s strategic integration into the Egmont Group, and promoting economic participation through the implementation of the Local Content Law. Nevertheless, these political and diplomatic achievements remain overshadowed by the worsening security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC. Despite ongoing mediation efforts, including the Doha peace process and the Washington Agreement framework, armed violence continues to intensify, with the AFC/M23 maintaining territorial influence through external support and benefiting from illicit mineral networks operating across borders. Internal tensions within the movement, combined with the continued activity of other armed groups such as the ADF, further complicate efforts to restore stability, while civilians remain exposed to displacement, human rights violations, and public health emergencies, including the ongoing Ebola outbreak. At the same time, the DRC has continued to reinforce its image as a strategic actor in global climate and resource governance, highlighting its role as a “solution country” through initiatives focused on forest conservation, sustainable mining, and energy development. However, translating this international recognition into lasting domestic transformation remains the central challenge. Ultimately, the first half of July demonstrates that the DRC’s future trajectory will depend on its ability to bridge the gap between diplomatic commitments and realities on the ground. Sustainable peace and development will require not only stronger security capabilities and effective enforcement of state authority, but also deeper reforms in governance, responsible management of natural resources, and renewed confidence between institutions, communities, and international partners. By Jeff Buleli