By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Ugandan and Congolese military forces successfully rescued at least 200 civilians from an Islamist insurgent camp in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The joint operation targeted the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group with historical roots in Uganda that currently operates as an affiliate of the Islamic State in Central Africa. Military officials confirmed on Monday that the rescue took place last week during a raid on a major ADF stronghold situated along the River Epulu in Ituri Province.
Conditions of Captivity and Humanitarian Concerns
The freed hostages, including a 14-year-old girl identified as the youngest captive, emerged from the camp in dire physical condition. According to a formal statement from the Ugandan military, many of the rescued individuals were suffering from malaria, respiratory infections, and extreme physical exhaustion. The military noted that the survivors endured a period of severe deprivation and violence under the control of the insurgent group.
“Many [of the captives] recounted harsh conditions in captivity, including lack of food, forced labour, and punishment for disobedience,” a military statement said. “Several appeared frail, suffering from untreated illnesses such as malaria, respiratory infections, and physical exhaustion.”
Major General Stephen Mugerwa, the Overall Joint Commander of Operation Shujaa, addressed the survivors to provide assurance regarding their status and eventual return to their communities.
“You are not under detention. You are the victims of abduction, and we shall ensure you are handed over to the relevant authorities so you can reunite with your families,” Mugerwa said.
Evolution of the Allied Democratic Forces
The ADF began its operations in 1994 as a rebel movement in Uganda, claiming at the time that the national government was persecuting the Muslim population. Following heavy offensives by the Ugandan army twenty-five years ago, the remnants of the group retreated across the border into the dense forests of the eastern DRC. Over the past decade, the group has significantly increased its presence and lethality along the shared border.
The organization transitioned from a local rebellion into a regional terrorist threat after pledging allegiance to ISIL approximately ten years ago. Although the group’s leadership reportedly signaled loyalty as early as 2016, ISIL did not begin formally claiming credit for ADF attacks through its central media channels until 2019. The group is now recognized as a terrorist entity by the United States and both regional governments, and it remains under United Nations sanctions for its role in the mass killing and kidnapping of civilians.
Military Gains and Regional Security Impacts
The rescue occurred as part of an intensified phase of Operation Shujaa, a joint military initiative between the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). This collaborative effort has gained momentum since January, leading to the destruction of several major insurgent camps and the recovery of significant weapon caches. During the most recent raid on the camp led by an ADF commander known as Ssebagala, or Mzee Mayor, several militants were killed.
Military officials report that the sustained pressure on the ADF has led to a noticeable improvement in regional stability. The offensive has allowed displaced residents to return to their villages, facilitated the reopening of local schools, and encouraged the resumption of vital cross-border trade between Uganda and the DRC.
“The sustained offensive has improved security in parts of eastern DRC, enabling displaced communities to return home, schools to reopen, and cross-border trade between Uganda and the DRC to resume,” the military statement added.
Ongoing Challenges in Eastern Congo
Despite recent military successes, the eastern DRC remains a volatile landscape defined by complex insurgencies and humanitarian crises. The ADF continues to be a primary driver of violence, with recent independent studies suggesting the group is responsible for more than half of the civilian deaths in the conflict-hit region. Earlier this month, an attack attributed to the group in Mambasa territory left over 70 people dead, highlighting the group’s continued ability to strike despite military pressure.
The recent surge in joint military activity against the ADF coincides with a fragile peace accord involving the M23 rebels, a different prominent group operating further south. Diplomatic tensions between Congo and Rwanda have slightly eased following the signing of the U.S.-mediated Washington Accords in December 2025, allowing Congolese forces to pivot resources toward the ADF. While the intensification of Operation Shujaa has successfully liberated hundreds of captives, the persistence of the ADF in Ituri and North Kivu provinces highlights the long-term security challenges facing the Great Lakes region.
The safe recovery of these 200 civilians represents a significant tactical victory for the joint coalition, yet for regional leaders, the ultimate goal remains the total dismantling of the ADF’s infrastructure. As the rescued families begin the long process of reunification and recovery, the international community continues to monitor whether this military momentum can finally translate into a durable peace for the long-suffering populations of the eastern DRC
