Yesterday, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group released 23 people who had been held hostage in Mambasa, Ituri Province, according to local security sources.
The released individuals include women and children, all appearing weak and exhausted after spending days in the forests under the captivity of ADF fighters. The ADF is a rebel group opposing the Ugandan government but operates from the forests of eastern Congo.
Reports indicate that the hostages were voluntarily freed by the rebels in an area called Elake, known for frequent fighting and criminal acts committed by the ADF.
Elake is also notorious for terrorist activities, including looting of residents’ property, acts of violence, and hostage-taking.
This development comes just days after the ADF carried out another attack in Elake, in which two Maï-Maï fighters were killed, property was looted, and around 50 people were taken hostage.
These attacks prompted local residents to try to defend themselves, but the ADF fighters overpowered them, killing some and leaving others severely injured.
Local authorities in Mambasa reported that ADF rebels are still roaming the forests, heavily armed, and that over 20 civilians remain in captivity in those jungles.
Those who were released revealed that the hostages left behind are in extremely critical condition, with many suffering from serious illnesses and injuries, without any access to medical care.
Residents are calling on the FARDC (Congolese army) to do everything possible to rescue the remaining hostages and completely eliminate the ADF rebels from the Mambasa forests in order to restore peace in the region.
