ISCAP Intensifies Campaign of Violence in Eastern Congo
Executive Summary
The Islamic State’s Central Africa Province (ISCAP) has escalated its campaign of terror in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), leaving over 50 Christian villagers dead in two days of attacks during December 2024. Targeting villages in the mineral-rich North Kivu and Ituri provinces, the group has carried out brutal beheadings, burned homes, and captured hostages, claiming its actions as part of a jihadist agenda. Originally formed as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Uganda, ISCAP has evolved into a regional arm of the Islamic State, blending global jihadist ideology with local dynamics. Despite military offensives by Ugandan and Congolese forces, ISCAP’s operations remain widespread and resilient, deeply affecting civilian communities and exacerbating regional instability.
Analysis
Rising Violence and Civilian Impact
ISCAP’s attacks in late December 2024 underline its deliberate targeting of Christian communities. On December 22, the group attacked the village of Kodjo, killing 19 Christians and setting 30 homes ablaze. Similar brutality occurred in Robinet, where six villagers were beheaded, and four were taken hostage. These incidents exemplify ISCAP’s dual strategies of fear and displacement, as villages are left in ruins and survivors are forced to flee.
ISCAP's Ideological and Strategic Evolution
The group’s transformation from the ADF into ISCAP marks a shift toward broader regional and international jihadist goals. ISCAP’s alignment with the Islamic State in 2019 introduced financial resources, ideological frameworks, and transnational recruitment. However, unlike other Islamic State affiliates, ISCAP operates in a predominantly Christian region, where its violent tactics and abductions substitute for popular support. Ideological narratives, including the dehumanization of non-Muslims and the promotion of martyrdom, drive its campaign of violence, positioning ISCAP as a threat not only to local communities but also to broader regional stability.
Challenges to Military Countermeasures
The joint Ugandan and Congolese military operation, initiated in 2021, has struggled to dismantle ISCAP’s network. The group’s dispersal into remote areas and its decentralized cell structure have allowed it to evade large-scale offensives. Local officials cite the difficulty of pinpointing ISCAP fighters, who exploit the rugged terrain of North Kivu and Ituri. Meanwhile, ISCAP’s use of foreign fighters and its capacity for resource mobilization through looting and extortion bolster its operational resilience.
Global Implications and Regional Threats
ISCAP’s alignment with Islamic State ideology has facilitated its expansion into Mozambique and connections with other African affiliates. These alliances, coupled with its brutal tactics, increase the risk of further destabilization in the region. Local and international stakeholders face the dual challenge of countering ISCAP’s military operations and addressing the socio-political grievances that allow it to thrive.
