At least eleven (11) civilians were killed overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, April 2, during an unclaimed attack attributed to ISCAP in the village of Bafwakoa, Mambasa territory, Ituri province, according to multiple EWRAC local sources. In addition to fatalities, terrorists set fire to houses, vehicles, and motorcycles, leaving the historical Bandaka chiefdom capital nearly deserted.
The attack triggered a mass displacement, with hundreds of residents fleeing to Niania and surrounding locations. Traffic along National Route 4 (RN4) remains heavily restricted, further compounding humanitarian and economic disruption. This incident exacerbates an ongoing crisis, as thousands of civilians along the RN4 corridor have fled their homes in recent weeks due to repeated ISCAP incursions.
Counter-terrorism operations by the FARDC in the wider Mambasa area, including Muchanga, have previously sought to curtail ISCAP activity. While some stability and limited return of civilians had been observed, this renewed attack demonstrates the group’s sustained operational capability and adaptability in exploiting mobility corridors for ambushes, looting, and psychological intimidation.
Analysis
ISCAP’s continued targeting of villages along RN4 reflects a deliberate strategy to disrupt civilian life, undermine security operations, and seize logistical resources. The pattern of mass abductions, arson, and targeted killings indicates both tactical opportunism and coercive control objectives. Without reinforced and coordinated security measures, including intelligence-driven patrols and community engagement, the population remains at high risk of further attacks, displacement, and economic paralysis. Immediate deployment of combined FARDC units with civilian protection priorities is critical to restore control and mitigate humanitarian consequences.