DRC's Ituri crisis leaves over 80,000 displaced, UN report flags shortcomings of joint Shujaa operation

A United Nations expert panel assessing the joint DRC‑Uganda military effort known as Operation Shujaa warned that the campaign, launched in 2021 to combat the Islamic State‑linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in North‑Kivu and Ituri, suffers from serious deficiencies. The report cites a shortage of troops, limited intelligence, inadequate coordination and growing reliance on local militias such as the Wazalendo groups. Despite seizing large quantities of explosives and weapons, the operation has not eliminated senior ADF commanders, and the insurgents have dispersed deeper into forested areas, extending the threat to civilian populations.

In parallel, the humanitarian situation in Ituri’s Mambasa territory has deteriorated sharply. More than 80,000 people displaced since January have received little or no assistance; only a few hundred households have obtained emergency cash from NGOs. Civil‑society groups are urging the Congolese government to reinforce FARDC forces, with support from partners, to secure the region and enable displaced families to return home.