Lubero : the death toll from ADF attack rises from 15 to 21, according to the civil society

SOS Médias Burundi

Goma, February 11, 2026 – The death toll from the attack attributed to Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) fighters in Mambimbi-Isigo, in the Bapakombe groupment, Bapere sector, Lubero territory (North Kivu), continues to rise. Initially estimated at fifteen dead, it has now reached 21 civilians killed, while several residents remain missing, according to the local civil society.

Samuel Kakule Kagheni, president of the Bapere civil society, indicates that six more bodies were discovered on Monday, confirming the scale of the massacre. The attack took place during the night of Friday, February 6, to Saturday, February 7, 2026.

In addition to the loss of life, the attackers set fire to homes and destroyed property, plunging the population into despair. The initial count indicated that at least fifteen people, including two women, had been killed and several houses reduced to ashes.

A survivor who managed to escape described a scene of horror. He explained that he was unable to count the number of victims he encountered, so great was the panic.

Ignored warnings

This latest armed incursion occurred amid repeated warnings about the presence and movements of the ADF in the area over the past several days. For Samuel Kakule Kagheni and the local civil society, the rapidly deteriorating security situation has created widespread fear within the communities.

The very next day, mass population displacements were observed towards Njiapanda and other localities considered relatively safer.

Local sources indicate that the attacked village remained difficult to access for several hours, delaying the burial of the victims. Some bodies were reportedly left exposed for a long time, exacerbating the anger of relatives.

A series of violence in North Kivu

The resurgence of attacks is not limited to Lubero. In the neighboring territory of Beni, the ADF has also increased its ambushes. On February 4, at least six civilians were killed in Malibo on the Oicha-Mamove road, a few hours after another deadly attack on the same road.

In a report published on February 3, the North Kivu provincial coordination of the civil society states that at least 63 civilians have been killed since the beginning of 2026 in the territories of Beni and Lubero by suspected ADF fighters. Lubero is believed to be the most affected area.

Beyond the loss of life, the material damage is significant : a health post was burned down, dozens of shops and homes were destroyed, and several motorcycles were burned.

This repeated violence is exacerbating an already deep humanitarian crisis. Thousands of families have abandoned their villages and are living in precarious conditions, with no immediate prospect of returning.

Civil society organizations, represented by Samuel Kakule Kagheni, are calling on Congolese authorities to strengthen the protection of civilians and to implement rapid interventions to prevent further tragedies.

Who are the ADF?

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) are an armed group of Ugandan origin that has been active in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for several years. The group is regularly accused of massacres of civilians, kidnappings, and the destruction of infrastructure.

The ADF has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States.