Global Terrorism Index 2025

​Results
 
Islamic State and Affiliates: Islamic State Central Africa Province
Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) emerged in 2017 and initially comprised two branches: one based in northern Mozambique and the other in eastern DRC. 
 
The Congolese wing of ISCAP originated from the Ugandan Islamist group known as the Uganda Muslim Freedom Fighters and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the 1990s. Over time, the ADF shifted its focus to the DRC due to military pressure and internal challenges. By 2017, the group pledged allegiance to IS, securing financial support and recruitment from across East Africa. In 2019, IS officially recognised the ADF as its Central Africa Province, enabling the group to expand its operations while maintaining allegiance to successive IS leaders despite significant leadership losses.
 
Initially focused on Uganda’s government, the IS-affiliated faction in Congo shifted its attention to local economic activities, including mining and timber. Since aligning with IS, it has escalated attacks against both Congolese forces and civilians. 
 
Despite ongoing military efforts, the group remains a significant threat. In June 2024, an attack in Mayikengo resulted in at least 42 deaths, with perpetrators using firearms and machetes. The conflict in the DRC has worsened, with armed groups like the IS-linked ADF driving significant displacement. By mid-2024, over 2.4 million people had been displaced due to escalating violence between armed groups and government forces, with an estimated 200,000 internal displacement caused by the IS Congo conflict.
 
Global Terrorism Index 2025. Institute for Economics & Peace. Sydney, Australia.