This archive report was first published on 4 September 2021.
On September 1, 2021, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) launched a devastating attack on a 100-vehicle convoy in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving four people dead and over 80 unaccounted for.
The attack, which occurred as the convoy traveled from Butembo to Beni, was a grim reminder of the insecurity that has gripped the region for over two decades.
Despite the presence of the United Nations Mission for the Stabilisation of Congo (Monusco), which has been in the country for 20 years, the ADF continues to wreak havoc on civilians.
With an approved headcount of over 16,000 people, Monusco has failed to prevent attacks on unarmed targets, raising questions about its effectiveness.
The DRC is home to 60% of the world's cobalt reserves, a key element in the manufacture of electric batteries, making a peaceful DRC crucial for a green future.
As East Africa's corporate prospectors eye the DRC as a potential investment opportunity, securing the region's people and resources is essential for a credible and slow march towards integration into the East African Community.
However, the international community's reluctance to classify the ADF as a terrorist organization has hindered efforts to intervene, leaving the DRC's national army overwhelmed and local militias to thrive.
