10 civilians killed in ADF attack on mining sites in Mambasa, DR Congo

At least ten civilians were killed in an overnight attack attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on several mining sites in the Bakaheku groupement, Babila-Babombi chiefdom, Mambasa territory, Ituri Province, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to the Association for the Protection and Rights of Children and Women (APDEF) in Mambasa, the assailants targeted the mining sites of Makimbilio, Biasiko and Makamanda before moving toward Mangadi. The victims include a woman whose baby was reportedly abandoned at the scene, as well as several men identified as Muhindo Malikidogo Emmanuel, Maseka, Pepe, Kakereheti and Mapeu.

The attack occurred on the night of Thursday to Friday, October 16, 2026, according to Actualite.cd, though other local sources reported the raids taking place between Wednesday and Thursday.

Rams Malikidoko of APDEF condemned what he described as an insufficient military response to the persistent ADF threat in the area, calling for the replacement of soldiers unable to protect civilians. The death toll reported by APDEF has not yet been confirmed by security authorities, and the attackers reportedly moved toward Mangadi after striking the three mining sites.