**Operation Shujaa: Military Success but Increased ADF Attacks on Civilians, UN Reports**
**Security**
**Sunday, January 12, 2025 – 11:08**
The fourth phase of the joint operation “Shujaa” conducted by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the People’s Defense Forces of Uganda (UPDF) has yielded mixed results, as per a report released on Wednesday by the United Nations expert group. The operation, relaunched on May 20, 2024, following inconclusive beginnings in November 2023, aimed to weaken the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group targeted by international sanctions.
### Military Progress and Setbacks
The ground and aerial attacks targeting ADF strongholds to the west of RN4 have inflicted heavy losses on the rebel group. Several of their commanders, including Braida and Amigo, have been killed, and hundreds of hostages have been freed, as stated in the report. These successes have also destroyed strategic camps, disrupted ADF supply chains, and significantly reduced their operational capabilities.
However, these military advances have led to survival tactics by the armed group. The ADF has increased their mobility, consolidated their members into fewer but more isolated mega-camps, and intensified attacks on civilians. UN rapporteurs have noted a rise in murders, kidnappings, looting, as well as targeted assaults on personnel and medical facilities. These actions have heightened pressure on civilian populations in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu.
### Shift in Threats
While the ADF ceased their attacks in Ugandan territory since late 2023, their atrocities in the DRC have multiplied. Operation Shujaa, despite being effective in its military objectives, has shifted the threat to areas where state security forces are less present. This shift has expanded the territorial footprint of the ADF, raising concerns about civilian security and the overall effectiveness of the operation.
The experts are calling for improved coordination between FARDC and UPDF, as well as enhanced protection for civilian populations in conflict-affected areas.
As a journalist, I understand the complexities of military operations and the impact they have on both armed groups and innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. It’s crucial to strike a balance between achieving military objectives and safeguarding civilian lives. The findings of the UN report shed light on the challenges faced in conflict zones and underscore the importance of international cooperation in addressing these complex issues. It is a reminder that behind every statistic or tactical move, there are real people with families and dreams, whose lives are forever altered by the repercussions of armed conflict. Let us not forget the human cost amidst the strategic gains.