From 2021 to 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continued to face significant conflict, particularly in the eastern regions of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu.
The ongoing conflict in the country has led to thousands of deaths, millions displaced, food insecurity, and widespread human rights violations.[10][11] UN convoys have been raided, leading to the murder of Italian ambassadorLuca Attanasio, possibly by the FDLR.[12][13][14] Many refugee camps for these displaced people have been raided by rebels, prompting condemnation from the United Nations.[15][16][17]
The UN has reported that about 7.3 million people were internally displaced by the end of 2024.[11][19][20] The ongoing humanitarian crisis leaves approximately 25.4 million people in need of humanitarian aid in the whole country (as of 2024).[21]
Summary counts of fatalities, internally displaced people and attacks by year
Development of internally displaced people (2021,[23] 2022,[24] 2023,[25][21] 2024[26]):
5.5 million
5.7 million
6.7 to 7 million
7.3 million
Available summary of attack type: In 2021, 898 terrorist attacks were registered in the country, and the Islamic State claimed responsibility for more than 300 of those attacks.[27] In 2022, 1,063 to 1,198 people were killed, 714 to 839 were abducted, and at least 174 were injured by members of the Islamic State.[28]
From January to October 2021, 260 security incidents affecting humanitarian work were reported, resulting in seven humanitarian workers being killed, 26 injured, and 23 kidnapped.[29] In 2022, 293 security incidents were recorded.[30]
North Kivu, Beni territory, Mwenda – 22 people were killed when the ADF attack the village of Mwenda with machetes and guns.[31]
5 January
4
unknown
FPIC
Ituri Province, Baboa Bokoe chiefdom – Three civilians and one soldier was kill in a FPIC attack on three villages setting fire to multiple homes.[32]
10 January
6 (+2)
1
Mai-Mai
North Kivu, Nyamitwitwi, Rutshuru – Six park rangers were killed and one injured when Mai-Mai attacked their positions.[33]
12 January
3 (+2)
unknown
ADF
Ituri Province, Bahatsha – ADF ambushed a company of FARDC soldiers in the village of Bahatsha killing three and losing two of their own.[34]
13 January
15
unknown
ADF
Ituri Province, locality of Abembi – ADF attacked a village in the locality of Abembi killing 15 people.[35]
14 January
46
unknown
ADF
Ituri Province, Irumu territory – 46 people were killed when ADF militants attacked a village in the Irumu territory.[36]
18 January
1
3
Armed men
North Kivu, chiefdom of Bwito – Four civilians were kidnapped and one beheaded in the chiefdom of Bwito when unidentified armed men demanding US$3,000 for their release.[37]
26 January
0
6
Anti-balaka rebels
Nord-Ubangi Province, Mogóró cell – Anti-balaka rebels from the Central African Republic crossed over into the DRC and kidnapped six fishermen along the Ubangi river.[38]
5 February
12
unknown
ADF
North Kivu, Mabule – Twelve people were killed when ADF attacked the village of Mabule.[39]
7 February
1
3
Mai-Mai
North Kivu, Osso-Banyungu sector – Mai-Mai killed the official delegate of the governor of North Kivu, Mai-Mai also kidnapped a person at the scene.[40]
9 February
10
unknown
ADF
Ituri Province, Kithovirwa – ADF killed ten people in Kithovirwa village with knives.[41]
10 February
2
1
Bandits
Ituri Province, Linji – Two people were killed and another wounded when bandits attacked Linji village at 10 p.m. local time, stealing valuables.[42]
13 February
1
unknown
FPIC
Ituri Province, Kabarole – FPIC militiamen attacked the village of Kabarole at 3 p.m. local time killing a woman and stealing 60 cows.[43]
14 February
5 (+6)
unknown
Bakata-Katanga
Haut-Katanga Province, Lubumbashi – Four police and one civilian were killed when the Bakata-Katanga militia attack Lubumbashi. Six attackers were also killed.[44][45]
14 February
14
unknown
ADF
Ituri Province, locality of Ndalya – Fourteen civilians were killed and a church burned when ADF attacked the locality of Ndalya at 10 a.m. local time.[46]
15 February
10
unknown
ADF
North Kivu, Kalembo – Ten civilians were killed and pharmacies and shops looted when ADF attacked the village of Kalembo.[47]
17 February
4
2
ADF
North Kivu, commune of Oicha – ADF attacked the commune of Oicha at 7:30 pm local time killing four and injuring two.[48]
18–19 February
10(+6)
unknown
CODECO
Ituri Province, Mongwalu – CODECO militants from the URDPC branch attacked the city of Mongwalu killing ten people, burning 30 homes, and looting many others. CODECO lost six of their own soldier in the attack.[49]
19 February
1
1
ADF
North Kivu, Musuku – ADF ambushed a motorcycle in Musuku killing one and injuring one.[50]
22 February
3
0
FDLR (Suspected)
North Kivu, Virunga National Park – Luca Attanasio, the Italian ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was assassinated along with two others by suspected FDLR gunmen while traveling through Virunga National Park.
Ituri Province, Kisima sector – ADF attacked a village at 6 p.m. local time killing ten people and setting a house on fire.[51]
22 February
1(+1)
unknown
ADF
Ituri Province, commune of Oicha – ADF attacked the commune of Oicha at 11 p.m. local time killing one but losing one of their own in an FARDC counterattack.[51]
23 February
11
unknown
FPIC
Ituri Province, Mugangu – FPIC attacked the village of Mugangu killing 11 and burning 19 homes.[52]
23–24 February
4
1
CODECO
Ituri Province, Tchibi Tchibi, K25 Mongali and Kabakaba – CODECO killed three gold miners working at a quarry called "America" in the town of Kabakaba and one woman working in the field in the town of Tchibi Tchibi.[53]
25 February
1 (+2)
Unknown
Mai-Mai
North Kivu, Makeke – Mai-Mai attacked FARDC positions in the village of Makeke. The attack was repelled with two militia men being killed and 12 being captured as well and one soldier being killed.[54]
25 February
3
0
ADF
Ituri Province, Kolimumu hill – ADF attacked near Kolimumu hill killing three and burning several houses.[55]
26 February
3
0
ADF
Ituri Province, Makisabo – ADF ambushed a Toyota Dyna in the village of Makisabo killing three civilians inside.[56]
28 February
16
Unknown
ADF
North Kivu, Boyo – An ADF attack near the town of Boyo killed 16.[57][58]
28 February
2 (+2)
2
ADF
North Kivu, Kitimba – ADF attacked the village of Kitimba killing two, injuring two, and burning five houses, two ADF fighters were killed in an army response.[59]
28 February
7
3
ADF
Ituri Province, locality of Bwakadi – ADF attacked the localities of Bwakadi village and Banande-Kainama region looting them, burning ten homes, killing 7 civilians and injuring 3.[60]
1 March
3 (+16)
Unknown
FPIC
Ituri Province, Babelebe chiefdom – The FPIC attacked Kunda, Mwanga, Babunya and Magalabo villages stealing valuable and setting fire to 20 homes, the military responded killing 16 militiamen while losing three soldiers.[61]
2 March
14 (+2)
Unknown
ADF
Ituri Province, Mambelenga – ADF attacked a market in the town of Mambelenga killing 14 and leaving two of their own fighters dead.[62][63]
4 March
1
4
Mai-Mai
North Kivu, Makumo – ten Mai-Mai Simba soldiers led by war lord Morgan attacked the village of Makumo killing one soldier and wounding four civilians.[64]
8 March
8
Unknown
ADF
Ituri Province, Appende village – An ADF attacked the village of Appende burning 10 homes and killing eight.[65]
8 March
4
7
Mayi-Mayi
Tanganyika Province, Kasange – Mayi-Mayi Malaika attacked the town of Kasange looting it then attacked FARDC positions in the town killing four and wounding seven.[66]
10 March
3
Unknown
ADF
Haut-Uele District, Matombo village – An ADF attack on the town of Matombo kills three.[67]
13 March
0
20+
ADF
Ituri Province, Mutweyi village – ADF attacked the village of Mutweyi taking at least 20 hostages.[68]
15 March
17
Unknown
ADF
North Kivu, Bulongo city – An ADF attack on Bulongo city kills 17.[62][69]
15 March
16
40
CODECO
Ituri Province, Garua – CODECO attacked the village of Garua in retaliation for the murder of a youth by tribal militia the day before. The CODECO attack continued throughout the area and ultimately left 16 killed and 40 injured.[70]
19 March
11
unknown
ADF
Ituri Province, Hotel-Bega/Mayalibo – ADF attacked the village of Hotel-Bega/Mayalibo killing eleven people.[71]
21 March
5
14
CODECO
Ituri Province, DII – CODECO launched an assault on the town of DII triggering a battle between FARDC and CODECO, the battle left Five civilian dead and six seriously injured, CODECO also took eight hostages, after the battle was over a riot was started with rioters burning tires and a car belonging to the United Nations.[72]
22 March
10
Unknown
ADF
North Kivu, Samboko-Chanichani – An ADF attack on Samboko-Chanichani kills 10.[73]
25 March
0
20
Mai-Mai
Kalonge village, Lubero territory – A Mai-Mai headed by general Kabido abducted 20 people from Kalonge village.[62][74]
28 March
2 (+1)
0
Mayi-Mayi
North Kivu, Kangote barrier – Mayi-Mayi militiamen attacked Kangote barrier checkpoint killing a soldier and police officer and losing one of their own in the clash.[75]
29 March
5
Unknown
ADF
North Kivu, Samboko-Chanichani – Five people were killed with machetes in the town of Samboko-Chanichani by the ADF.[76]
30 March
4 (+3)
Unknown
ADF
Ituri Province, Molisomambandada – ADF attacked the village of Molisomambandada killing four civilians before attacking army positions losing three in the clash with the army.[77]
30–31 March
29 (+2)
50
ADF
North Kivu, Moliso – ADF militants attacked the town of Moliso and stormed 2101st Congolese army regiment base, killing 29 civilians and kidnapping 50 others.[78]
31 March
unknown
Unknown
Mai-Mai
Katimba, Maniema province – A battle between two Mai-Mai militia groups left 200 house burned and valuable looted.[79]
1–2 April
4
Unknown
Mai-Mai
Bahaya grouping, Maniema province – Four people were killed and 250 houses burned when Mai-Mai Pygmies led by Mundus attacked six villages,[80]
4 April
2 (+5)
0
Raia Mutomboki
South Kivu, Kalonge and Katasomwa – Raia Mutomboki militia attacked positions of the army in Kalonge and Katasomwa localities killing two soldiers but losing five of their own in the process.[81]
4 April
0
20
ADF
Ituri Province, Mungwanga – ADF attacked the village of Mungwanga kidnapping 20 people and stealing cassava flour, corn, goats, and chickens.[82]
5 April
2 (+1)
1
Bazungu, APCLS
North Kivu, Mpati and Kishovu – Nyatura militiamen from the Bazungu and APCLS group attacked positions of the FARDC in Mpati killing one civilians, kidnaping one soldiers, and stealing weapons. APCLS-Nyatura lost one soldier in the attack. In Kishovu, Nyatura Bazungu attacked a police station killing one police officer and stealing two weapons.[83]
6 April
5
Unknown
CODECO
Ituri Province, Djugu territory, Katsu – Five people were killed by CODECO in the village of Katsu.[84]
7 April
0
15
Militiamen
Artisanal gold mine, Tanganyika province – Fifteen miners were kidnapped by eight militiamen.[85]
9 April
2
1
ADF
North Kivu, Makisabo and Kilya – The ADF attacked the villages of Makisabo and Kilya killed two, injured one more, and set fire to two vehicles.[86]
10 April
9
20
CODECO
Ituri Province, Djugu territory – CODECO militiamen attacked the villages of Jiba, Tsoro, Lopaz and Nyeniza. In Jiba CODECO killed three soldiers and three civilians. In Tsoro CODECO set fire to a vehicle belonging to the NGO MEMISA. In Lopa CODECO killed three civilians, burned three vehicles, and stole two other vehicles. In Nyeniza CODECO took 10 people as hostages.[87][88]
16 April
13
Unknown
Bakwakenge, Kasai Province – Ethnic violence between the Luba and Kuba ethnic groups in the town of Bakwakenge felt 13 dead and 190 homes burned.[89]
16 April
4
Unknown
South Kivu, Bushushu – A land dispute escalated into conflict leaving four people dead and 22 houses destroyed.[90]
16 April
3
Unknown
CODECO
Ituri Province, Fataki – Three people were killed and more than a hundred houses burned when CODECO attacked Fataki.[91]
18 April
4
Unknown
FPIC
Ituri Province, Nyakunde center – Three civilians and one soldier were killed when FPIC attack the Nyakunde center capturing the village and setting fire to four cars.[92]
21 April
2
unknown
Armed men
Lubigi, South Kivu – One civilian and one soldier unidentified armed men attacked gold trading center, the armed men stole large amount of cash and gold.[93]
21 April
1
unknown
Gumino / Twirwaneho
Malera, South Kivu – One civilian was killed, seven cows were stolen, and several houses were burned in an attack by Gumino / Twigwaneho militia on the village of Malera.
23 April
8
20
ADF
Ituri Province, Aveyi – Eight people were killed and 20 people taken as people as hostages in an ADF attack on the village of Aveyi.[94]
24 April
3
unknown
FPIC
Ituri Province, Bunia – Two soldiers and one civilian were killed in an FPIC attack near Bunia.[95]
25 April
5
unknown
ADF
Mantumbi, North Kivu – Five people were killed in an ADF attack on the locality of Mantumbi.[96]
25 April
6
unknown
Armed men
Shonga, North Kivu – Unknown armed men attacked the village of Shonga killing six.[97]
8 May
2(+1)
unknown
ADF
Ituri Province, Lukaya – An ADF attack on an army position in the town of Lukaya left two civilians and one ADF member dead.[98]
9 May
21
unknown
Nyunzu territory, Tanganika province – An ambush on a motorcycle left three people dead in Kanani. A militia attack on the village of Kasoso left 18 people dead.[99]
10 May
5
0
ADF
North Kivu, Kilia – An ADF attack on the village of Kilia and the UN base there killing five inducing a UN peacekeeper from Malawi.[100]
11–16 May
21
52
ADF
Ituri Province, Mambasa territory – A series of ADF attacks in Mambasa territory left 21 people dead and 52 people taken hostage.[101]
13 May
3(+1)
0
Soldier
Kamango neighborhoods, North Kivu – A Congolese soldier killed three members of his family before committing suicide.[102]
18 May
1
0
ADF
Beni, North Kivu – Suspected ADF assassinated an imam while he was returning home.[103]
27 May
26
unknown
Islamist militants (Suspected)
Beni, North Kivu – Suspected Islamist militants attacked villages in an overnight raid.[104][105]
27 May
3
0
ADF
Kasindi, North Kivu – The ADF attacked truck carrying cocoa, setting it on fire and killing three people.[105]
27 May
5
0
ADF
North Kivu – The ADF burned five people alive in their homes.[105]
29 May
6
0
ADF
Kinyatsi, North Kivu – The ADF burned six people alive in their house in Kinyatsi.[106]
30–31 May
60+
Many
ADF (Suspected)
Ituri Province, Boga and Tchabi – A massacre committed by an unknown group of militants, likely ADF killed at least 60 people. The militants attacked the town of Boga killing at least 36 people then attacked the town of Tchabi killing at least 24.[107]
4 June
2
0
ADF
Ntoma-Halungupa road, North kivu – ADF militants ambushed a motorcycle carrying a soldier and a civilian killing both of them.[108]
8 June
8 (+22)
1+
Unknown group
Ituri Province, Kinyanjojo and Boga-center – An Unknown armed group attacked Kinyanjojo and Boga-center looting shops and setting fire to General Reference Hospital. The Army managed to push the attackers back inflicting 22 casualties but not after they killed eight civilian. One soldiers was injured and one AK-47 was recovered from the retreating attackers.[109]
24 June
0
25
Patriots Front for Peace
Luhanga, North Kivu – 25 people were taken hostage by the Patriots Front for Peace, a group run by warlord Kabido.[110]
26 June
5
0
ADF
Ituri Province, Tokotoko – Five hostages taken by the ADF were killed in the village of Tokotoko.[111]
27 June
1
3
Beni, North Kivu – A bombing a Malumalu roundabout kills one and injures three.[112]
27 June
0
2
Beni, North Kivu – A bombing targeting a Catholic church injured two and blew out the windows in the church.[112][113]
2 July
13
unknown
CODECO
Ituri Province, Djugu territory – CODECO attacked several villages in Djugu territory killing 13 and setting fire to several homes.[114]
11 July
3
unknown
CODECO
Ituri Province, Thali village – CODECO ambushed a group of people killing three and stealing valuables.[115]
12 July
18
unknown
ADF
Ituri Province, Walese Vonkutu chiefdom – The ADF attacked several villages in the chiefdom of Walese Vonkutu killing 18 people.[116]
13 July
3
unknown
Mayi-Mayi
Musangwa, North kivu – Three people were killed when Mayi-Mayi fighters attack the village of Musangwa.[117]
14 July
1
1
Ituri Patriotic Resistance Force
Ituri Province, Batumbi – An anti-personal mine laid by the Ituri Patriotic Resistance Force killed a man and injured another.[118]
15 July
4
2
Unknown group
Ituri Province, Tinda Bridge – Four people were killed and two injured near Tinda Bridge when an unknown group opened fire on a car.[119]
15 July
2
0
ADF
Beni, North Kivu – The ADF killed two civil society members in Beni.[120]
15 July
3
0
FPIC
Ituri Province, Rujumba village – A FPIC attack on the village of Rujumba killed three people.[121]
16 July
4
0
ADF
Liva village, North Kivu – An ADF attack on farmer in the village of Liva killed four.[122]
2 August
16
ADF
Ituri Province, Idohu – An ADF attack on civilians. Congolese soldiers were present during the massacre but failed to respond to the attack.[9]
27 August
19
ADF (Suspected)
Beni territory, Kalanguta – An attack possibly committed by the ADF. Several people were kidnapped.[9]
3 September
30
ADF
Ituri Province, Makutano – ADF machete attack on a village north of Oicha.[123]
21 November
44
ADF
Ituri Province, Drodro refugee camp – An ADF massacre against a refugee camp in Ituri. The exact amount of casualties remains unclear.[15][124]
25 December
7
13
ADF
In Box restaurant, Beni – An ADF suicide bomber kills seven.[125]
Ituri Province, Nyamamba, Mbogi – Forty-two villagers, including 12 women and six children, were killed in the village of Nyamamba. Seven men were killed in the village of Mbogi.[127]
Ituri Province, Djugu territory, Plaine Savo refugee camp – Five children and two adults were killed.[128]
June 12
45
7
Undisclosed
Ituri Province – The Lala displacement camp was attacked by militants, resulting in the deaths of both adults and children. They also set fire to over 800 shelters.[129]
November 14
29
Undisclosed
North Kivu, Beni – The attack killed 29 people, including 8 children.[130]
November 14
14
ADF
North Kivu, Mamove village – A farming community was attacked, 14 were beheaded and others were missing. Houses were burned down.[131][132]
North Kivu, Nyanzale – A column of civilians running from an M23 assault on Nyanzale town was hit. At least 17 were killed and a dozen more were injured.[133]
May 3
18
30
M23 (Suspected)
North Kivu, near Goma – One of several rockets hit an IDP camp (8ème CEPAC Mugunga) killing adults and 15 children.[134][135]
May 7
7
6
M23
South Kivu – A bombing in a village killed seven and injured six.[136]
May 9
8
ADF
North Kivu – An attack on a health center killed patients and an accountant.[137]
June 5
16
8
ADF (Suspected)
North Kivu, Beni – The attack on a food convoy took place on a road between the towns of Chanichani and Mayi-Moya. Most of the victims were farmers and traders.[138]
June 7
41
ADF (Suspected)
North Kivu, Masala, Mapasana, and Mahini – Suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attack.[139]
July 3
6
CODECO
Ituri Province, Gambala, Camp Blanquette gold mine – Six Chinese miners and two Congolese soldiers were killed in an attack on a gold mine. Two miners were kidnapped.[140]
August
12+
ADF
North Kivu, several villages (including Mukonia) – Several villages were attacked. [141]
December
13
ADF
North Kivu, Mabisio – 13 people were killed, an unknown number of people were kidnapped and houses looted and set on fire.[142]
December 3
10
ADF
North Kivu, Beni, Batangi-Mbau area, PK20 – 10 people were killed, an unknown number of people were kidnapped and 5 houses were set on fire.[143][144][145]