DRC: Escalating ADF terror in Mambasa territory

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The province of Ituri, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is facing a security and humanitarian crisis of alarming proportions. Between March 28 and 31, 2026, rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) carried out a series of bloody raids, blocking major roads and plunging the Mambasa region into terror.

Casualties and mass abductions

The weekend of March 28–29 marked a turning point in the violence along the Mambasa–Komanda route. According to Radio Okapi, the attacks began in Babungwe before spreading to Lomalisa, where the assailants fired into the air to force villagers to surrender. Human rights activist John Vuleverio, quoted by the media outlet, cites the terrifying figure of 388 civilians taken hostage.

The horror does not end with the capture. Local sources cited by ituri.cd and CODEPEF report that “some victims were reportedly executed, their bodies left unburied at the scene” in the Bakwanza Forest. This situation has led to the closure of more than ten health facilities, depriving thousands of people of vital care.

A crippled economy and transportation system

On Monday, March 30, another attack struck the Mambasa–Bunia road near Muchanga. Laurent Kyeya, coordinator of CODEPEF (Convention for the Development of Forest Peoples), paints a picture of extreme gravity: “Of the seven chiefdoms in the Mambasa territory, the majority are currently under threat from ADF rebels. This insecurity is affecting several major road routes, notably Mambasa–Nduye, Mambasa–Kisangani, and Mambasa–Beni.”

As RFI points out, this strategy of terror is directly targeting road users and farmers. In the towns of Makokolo and Mandima, residents no longer dare to go to their fields, which is seriously jeopardizing agricultural production. The consequences are immediate: massive population displacements toward the center of Mambasa and a complete standstill of socioeconomic activities.

A Testimony to Resilience

When asked about this situation, Jean-Luc Simbilyabo, director of RTER (Radio Télé Évangile Réconciliation) in Nyakunde, delivers a message of strength and faith:

“The repeated attacks along the Mambasa–Komanda route serve as a reminder of the silent suffering of thousands of families living between fear and hope. Yet, even amidst the ashes, faith remains alive: Christians continue to pray, serve, and bear witness. We can support this mission through prayer, by sharing these testimonies, and by providing concrete support to local radio stations that carry the voice of truth and peace. As it is written: ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’ (John 1:5).”


Calls for a major intervention

In response to the emergency, civil society and media outlets such as Yahoo News (AFP) are calling for large-scale military operations. “Protecting civilians is a fundamental obligation of the state,” insists John Vuleverio. While the territory’s assistant administrator, Colonel Maxime, calls for calm and assures that “military operations are continuing,” the population is waiting for tangible results to secure the roads and free the captives.

Solidarity: Médias Ébène offers its full support to the Christian radio stations that are members of FOMECAF and operate in the region, particularly RTER Radio in Nyakunde, which remains an indispensable beacon of hope amid the turmoil.

Latest Developments: Ransomware Extortion

According to an update from the RTCR on April 2, following the raid in Muchanga (on the Mambasa-Bunia road), the kidnappers have taken the horror to a new level. The rebels are now demanding a ransom of $10,000 to release some of the hostages captured on March 30. This financial blackmail deepens the despair of families already deprived of their livelihoods, as access to their fields has become impossible in Makokolo and Mandima.

Sources
Local and direct sources
  • CODEPEF (Convention for the Development of Forest Peoples): Report by Attorney Laurent Kyeya on insecurity in the Mambasa territory (March 30–31, 2026).
  • RTER (Radio Télé Évangile Réconciliation): An exclusive interview with Jean-Luc Simbilyabo, station director in Nyakunde (April 1, 2026).
Regulatory Authorities
  • Mambasa Territorial Administration: Statements by Colonel Maxime, Assistant Administrator, regarding ongoing military operations.
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gold miners-nyankunde

Courage and solidarity: The gold miners of Nyankunde

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Radio Télé Evangile Réconciliation (RTER) is located in Nyankunde, in the province of Ituri, in eastern Congo. In September 2002, the Nyankunde Medical Center suffered one of the worst massacres of the Ituri conflict. Over a period of 10 days, Germain Katanga's Ngiti fighters, later known as the FRPI, killed at least 12,000 people in Nyankunde and the surrounding area. The concept of reconciliation promoted by Jean Luc Simbilyabo's radio station is not overused. Very recently, he shared with us this masterful example of "integral radio," which we are pleased to share with you here.

The quest for gold and its challenges

The history of Radio Télé Evangile Réconciliation (RTER Nyankunde) is closely linked to that of the gold miners. These courageous gold seekers, despite difficult conditions, work tirelessly to improve their lives and those of their communities, demonstrating exemplary solidarity and resilience.

Every day, men and women set out in search of gold in remote areas, armed with rudimentary tools and unwavering determination. Without modern equipment, their task is difficult and their productivity limited. Nevertheless, they persevere, not only to provide for their families, but also to support local projects, including our radio station.

Radio as a pillar of the community

Their story is remarkable, particularly because of their financial support for our station, despite their low incomes. They recognize the importance of local media in giving the community a voice, informing, educating, and uniting people. This support allows us to maintain and expand our programming, thereby linking their work to the development of the region.

In return, our radio station offers specific programs to help gold miners, informing them about resource management, best practices in health and safety, and their rights. The radio station provides them with a platform for expression and exchange, strengthening solidarity and promoting collective solutions. The effects are visible: gold miners now see their profession as an opportunity for transformation.

A future filled with hope

However, gold miners face major challenges, including limited access to medical care and protective equipment. Children suffer from malnutrition and premature deaths are common. Despite these hardships, they aspire to a better future.

Local authorities' support for artisanal gold mining offers an alternative to young people who are often tempted to join armed groups. In eastern DRC, this activity represents tangible hope for thousands of families.

With better support, gold miners could increase their production and positive impact on the community, transforming their lives and strengthening local projects such as our radio station. Their courage and determination, with the right support, pave the way for a future where everyone contributes to collective development, building a better world for future generations.

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Jean Luc Simbilyabo, director of Radio Télé Évangile et Réconciliation in Nyankunde, during the first training seminar held in Lomé in 2019.

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