Armed men from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked the village of Cantine in the Madiwe sector of Beni territory, North Kivu Province, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The attack took place during the night of Thursday, November 5, into the early hours of November 6, 2026. Justin Paluku, president of the Civil Society Forces Vives of Madiwe, says more than 30 civilians were killed. Homes were set on fire and families fled.
What happened
The attackers entered Cantine at night. Residents heard gunfire and screams and had little time to react. Many people ran with nothing but the clothes they wore.
Paluku called the night a nightmare of suffering. He said Christian civilians in the area now live like prisoners in their own communities, unsure when armed men will return. He asked for protection, peace and freedom from fear for his people.
As news of the attack spread, residents left Cantine for nearby areas seen as safer. Children, women and older people are among those now displaced. They have left behind homes, farms and belongings.
Context
The Beni region has suffered years of attacks, killings, kidnappings and displacement. Local groups and officials blame the ADF for most of these incidents. Each new attack adds to the trauma of communities that have repeatedly asked for protection and justice.
Reports from the area describe burned homes and looted property. Local leaders say this leaves families without shelter or income and exposes children to hunger and psychological harm.
What to watch
It is not yet clear how many people were displaced or whether the victims' names have been fully confirmed. Paluku's group is calling for stronger protection for civilians in Beni. Residents say they do not know if they will be able to return home.
