The terrorist threat in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been on the rise in recent years. In March 2023, the north-eastern regions of the DRC, Ituri and Kivu, were once again hit by deadly attacks against civilians led by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). In two separate events, the ADF killed 50 people and burned several buildings, including a health center. In June 2023, over 40 people died following the attack against a school by the ADF in Uganda, and more students were abducted. This alarming pattern echoes a disquieting trend observed across sub-Saharan Africa.
Within the broader context of Islamic State affiliates, sub-Saharan Africa has emerged as a focal point for violent extremist operations. While Islamic State provinces in Afghanistan and Syria may have experienced a decline in their capabilities and territorial influence, Islamic State affiliates in West and Central Africa have significantly expanded their operational reach. This article contends that the ADF is undergoing a fast and metastasizing evolution, posing serious concerns for the security of the region and beyond.
An examination of the ADF, exposes firmly established ideological, financial, and operational links with the Islamic State. The group ́s rebranding as the Islamic State in Central Africa Province (ISCAP) also signifies this association. A salient characteristic of jihadist groups, whether affiliated with Al-Qaida or the Islamic State, is their deployment of tactics and strategies for the recruitment, use, and ideological indoctrination of children. Notably, the ADF/ISCAP adoption of violent extremist ideology, modus operandi, and expansionistic aims mirroring the Islamic State strategy coincides with the growing showcasing of children in its propaganda material as well as an increase in the involvement of children in its Katibas units and military operations.
Therefore, the objectives of this article are twofold. It seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of the ADF/ ISCAP's trajectory, strategies, and tactics, as well as its ambitions, prospects, and potential impacts in Central Africa. Secondly, it aims to raise awareness regarding child exploitation as a means to support ADF/ISCAP expansionistic and military aims across the region and underscore the need for concerted efforts to address security and child protection concerns.
Chapter II lays the groundwork for our exploration by elucidating the origins of the ADF and its religious underpinnings. It unveils the ADF's transformation from an armed opposition force in Uganda to its operational shift towards the Kivu region in the DRC, a violence-ridden area characterized by intercommunity tensions and historical legacies. It underscores the ADF's multifaceted approach, wherein the organization exploits existing grievances, provides protection and justice to local communities, and simultaneously propagates its radical Islamic ideology. By delving into the ADF's strategic implementation of Sharia law, its manipulation of interreligious tensions, and its targeting of the Muslim community, the chapter sheds light on the group's complex modus operandi. Furthermore, it highlights the repercussions faced by the Muslim community due to the ADF's actions, leading to their marginalization and potential recruitment by the ADF itself.
Chapter III discusses the ascent of Musa Seka Baluku, who embodies the ideological fervor and commitment to the Salafi-takfiri ideology among the ADF's leadership, his involvement in supporting jihadist activities in northern Mozambique, his influence, and the strategic connections he has forged. Furthermore, the chapter delves deeper into the ADF/ISCAP's affiliation with the Islamic State and its operational pragmatism in effectively navigating the local context and exploiting community grievances and vulnerabilities.
Chapter IV emphasizes the strategic support provided by the Islamic State to the ADF/ISCAP, including ideological guidance, strategic advice, financial support, and tactical assistance. It highlights Baluku's references to correspondences with the Islamic State and the directives he adheres to under their auspices. The chapter also points to the ADF's and ISCAP's growth and expansion being influenced by the support received from the Islamic State, not only within East Africa but also within IS' international networks.
Chapter V provides an overview of the ADF/ISCAP in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), highlighting its status as the deadliest armed group in the region. It emphasizes the group's wide-ranging financial, logistical, and recruitment networks. It provides a comprehensive overview of the ADF/ISCAP's operations, tactics, and ideological alignment with the Islamic State and sets the stage for a deeper analysis of the group's activities, their impact on civilians, and the regional security implications.
Chapter VI illustrates the operational capacities and ideological motivations of the ADF and ISCAP. The chapter highlights the group's efforts to expand its operational capacities and recruitment networks across Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi, indicating a determination to widen their influence.
Chapter VII offers insights into the multifaceted recruitment strategies employed by the ADF/ISCAP, shedding light on the use of both online platforms and in-person interactions. It underscores the importance of understanding the socio-economic context in which recruitment occurs and the factors that drive individuals to join such extremist groups.
Chapter VIII highlights the significance of analyzing propaganda materials with the aim of understanding ISCAP's aims, particularly in terms of manipulating and indoctrinating children for military purposes and expanding their influence by targeting vulnerable segments of the population. The prevalence of violent crimes committed against children within ISCAP is emphasized, shedding light on the severity of mistreatment and abuse faced by children in ISCAP ranks.
Chapter IX identifies the roles assigned to children, ranging from surveillance and reconnaissance to active participation in military operations. It evaluates the dissemination of propaganda materials showcasing children engaging in military activities.
Chapter X expounds on the role that women play within the ADF/ISCAP apparatus as well as their portrayal in the group's propaganda. Women are depicted as combatants, preachers, and caretakers of the wounded, showcasing their diverse involvement within the organization. The chapter also addresses the ADF/ISCAP's strategy regarding involving women and girls and the ways in which it mirrors the group ́s ideological stance and military purposes. The present study was conducted over a period spanning from December 2022 to April 2023, employing a comprehensive research methodology encompassing desk research and semi-structured interviews.
This study involved a heterogeneous cohort of twenty-three participants from six countries, including subject matter experts, humanitarians, journalists, and law enforcement officers. This inclusive approach bestowed the study with a multifaceted and global perspective, fostering cross-cultural exchange and enriching the breadth of insights.
The interviews were carried out through both virtual and in-person modalities, with the researcher maintaining anonymity. It is important to note that certain interviewees requested to speak off-the-record, thereby ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of their contributions. Given the temporal constraints of the research, the extent of interaction with children formerly associated with the ADF/ISCAP was limited. Nonetheless, the involvement of humanitarian experts has been pivotal in facilitating data collection exercises. This investigation also relies on in-depth analyses of propaganda materials disseminated by the ADF/ISCAP with the aim of gaining insights into the group ́s strategy involving children.