Amnesty International has accused the Allied Democratic Forces of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In a report published on May 4, the group said civilians have been killed, abducted and subjected to widespread abuse.
The report details incidents of murder, forced labour, sexual violence and the recruitment of children by the ADF, which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2019. Amnesty said it interviewed 71 people, including survivors and humanitarian workers, in North Kivu province.
It cited a September 2025 attack in Ntoyo village where more than 60 people were reportedly killed, and another in Byambwe village where at least 17 civilians died and a hospital was set on fire. Victims described torture, forced marriages and abductions, with some held for ransom or used as labour.
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Amnesty has called on the Congolese government to strengthen civilian protection and improve response systems. It also urged the international community to support efforts to ensure justice and provide long-term assistance to victims.
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