This dyad belongs to the conflict DR Congo (Zaire): Islamic State
Summary of conflict DR Congo (Zaire): Islamic State
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) involving the Islamic State (IS) originates from the transformation of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an insurgent group with Ugandan roots, active in eastern DR Congo. In 2017, ADF pledged allegiance to IS, and the pledge was accepted by IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. This marked the incorporation of ADF into IS’s global network and insurgency. In 2018, IS formally announced the creation of its Central Africa Province (ISCAP), linking ADF’s activities in DR Congo to IS’s broader project of establishing a global caliphate.
Despite sustained military pressure, violence has continued. In 2025, joint operations by the armed forces of Uganda and the DR Congo persisted, although fatality levels decreased compared to previous years. This decline was partly due to the escalating conflict with M23. Meanwhile, IS forces continued to expand their operational reach carrying out attacks in Beni, Lubero, Mambasa, Irumu and Bafwasende territories in eastern DR Congo.
From local insurgency to IS affiliate
The Islamic State (IS) in DR Congo (Zaire) emanated from an Islamist insurgency against the Ugandan government. ADF (Alliance of Democratic Forces) emerged in western Uganda in late 1996 and later established bases in eastern DR Congo (Zaire) where it remained active. Over the years, the Government of Uganda , the Government of DR Congo and the peace-keeping forces under MONUSCO carried out multiple operations against the group, but ADF repeatedly regrouped and established new bases in remote forested areas.
In April 2014, ADF suffered a substantial setback when its leader Jamil Mukulu fled its main camp, Madina, after a government offensive. Mukulu was arrested in Tanzania in April 2015 and his second-in-command Musa Baluku became the new leader. Under Baluku, the group increasingly aligned itself ideologically and operationally with IS. Reports indicate that Baluku may have pledged allegiance as early as 2016, with formal acceptance by IS occurring in October 2017. This moment is considered by UCDP as the group’s integration into IS and the start of the DR Congo: Islamic State conflict.
On 22 August 2018, Baghdadi referenced the existence of a “wilayah” (province) called Central Africa Province (ISCAP), which included DR Congo and Mozambique. Initially, the nature of ADF links to IS was disputed. The first claim of activity by ISCAP was reported on 18 April 2019, when IS-linked Amaq News Agency stated that militants had killed soldiers in DR Congo. This was followed by propaganda material, including a July 2019 video showing ADF pledging allegiance to IS.
On a video released on 18 September 2020, Musa Baluku gave further evidence of his alignment with IS. He stated: “There is no ADF anymore. Allah willing, ADF ceased to exist a long time ago. [...] Currently, we are a province, the Central Africa Province which is one province among the numerous provinces that make up the Islamic State that is under the Caliph and Leader of all Muslims... Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi.”. Despite this, the relationship remained contested by external observers. In December 2020, the UN Group of Experts reported that it had not found direct links between ADFand IS. Subsequent reporting, including a June 2023 UN Group of Experts report, provided evidence that the bay’ah had been accepted in October 2017 and identified additional links between the group and IS networks.
Late October 2019 offensive and the spread of violence
As ADF transformed into IS the violence on the ground continued with ambushes and attacks against the army. Clashes were reported along the Mbau-Kamango road and around Eringeti in Beni territory, areas where ADF long maintained a presence.
On 22 December 2017, Uganda launched operation Tuugo targeting IS through aerial bombardment in the Erengeti triangle near the DR Congo - Uganda border. In January 2018, the Government of DR Congo launched operations against two main IS bases: one between Mbau, Eringeti, and Kamango, and the other around Mwalika. The operation stalled in May 2018. In September 2018, joint operations between MONUSCO and the FARDC targeted IS positions in Mayangose.
A major offensive launched on 30 October 2019, aimed to capture the main IS camp known as the "Madina complex.". The offensive invovled approximately 22 000 FARDC troops. While several bases were captured, the group relocated within Beni and into Irumu territory in Ituri province. From these new positions IS continued to carry out ambushes against FARDC.
In January 2020, the Congolese army again captured the Madina camp. IS subsequently fragmented into smaller units but continued attacks against military targets and civilians. Activity expanded into Ituri and further west of Beni. After the summer IS activities again increased in the area around Madina from where they had been dislodged in January. On 20 October 2020, more than 1,300 prisoners escaped during an attack on a prison in Beni. After this insecurity in the south-east of Beni town increased as the group tried to gain control there during the harvest season for cocoa and other agricultural produce.
In May 2021, the Government of DR Congo placed Ituri and Nord Kivu under a state of siege and launched further offensives. In November 2021, the Ugandan army deployed forces into DR Congo under “Operation Shujaa”, targeting camps through airstrikes and ground operations. These offensives disrupted IS positions but did not contain the violence. Instead, the group dispersed further, first across the Ituri river into Irumu, then west into Mambasa and Lubero lastly into Bafwasende.
Across this period, IS has operated through mobility and decentralization, relying on dispersed cells across North Kivu and Ituri rather than maintaining fixed territorial control.
Building a state
IS in DR Congo operated in a predominantly non-Muslim environment, shaping its interaction with local populations. Unlike IS in other countries, the group has not established stable or institutionalized systems of governance over large civilian populations. Instead, ISCAP has focused on building the Islamic State in their camps often located in remote forested areas. The camps are governed under the Sharia law.
In areas under its influence, the group has imposed restrictions on civilian movement and engaged in resource extraction, including from agricultural production. It has also conducted religious outreach and indoctrination directed at local populations and abductees.
Testimonies from defectors indicate that group leaders have justified large-scale attacks on civilians in response to military operations against ISCAP, including claims that killing civilians constitutes a form of reprisal under their interpretation of Islamic law. This has led to reprisal attacks on civilians after military offensives by DR Congo and Uganda on the group.
Overall, military operations have reduced the group’s ability to maintain fixed bases but have not eliminated its presence. The group has not established durable administrative control or stable ties with local populations and continues to operate through coercion, mobility, and intermittent civilian control.
