Allied Democratic Forces, originally a Ugandan Islamist rebellion, pledged to Islamic State (ISCAP) since 2019. The deadliest group for civilians in eastern DRC: massacres in Beni, Lubero and Ituri (Irumu, Mambasa), including in churches and at funerals, and abductions of children. Now also reported in Haut-Uele. US-designated FTO (2021).
Leader(s): Musa Baluku (Seka Musa Baluku)
Origin: Uganda
Area of operation: North Kivu, Ituri
Recent (to 3 Nov 2026)
- 27 Oct 2026: The Sentry says the ADF have profited from the low priority Kinshasa gives them while it concentrates on M23, and urges dedicated deployments for both fronts; local officials and civil society say the state of siege and joint FARDC–UPDF operations have failed. ADF activity now reported in Haut-Uele too (Actualite.cd, 1 Nov): https://actualite.cd/2026/11/01/est-de-la-rdc-les-adf-ont-profite-du-peu-de-priorite-que-leur-accorde-kinshasa-concentre
Relationships
- Affiliate of: Islamic State (ISCAP)
- Fights: UPDF
- Fights: FARDC
- Fights: UPLC (Mai-Mai Kyandenga-Mazembe)
Referenced by
- FARDC (Fights)
- Islamic State (ISCAP) (Parent organisation of)
- UPDF (Fights)
- UPLC (Mai-Mai Kyandenga-Mazembe) (Fights)