DR Congo, Philippines, South Sudan

Today's three stories you should know

DR Congo

At least 25 people have been killed by ISIS-linked fighters in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to the UN and local rights groups. A UN report identified the attackers as members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militia from Uganda that is active in DRC. ISIS, which recognizes the ADF as an affiliate, claimed responsibility. The ADF is considered a particularly violent armed group among the many who operate in eastern DRC. According to the UN, the ADF killed 138 people in November alone.

More from Reuters here.

Philippines

The International Criminal Court has ruled that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial despite protests from the 80-year-old’s lawyers that his condition is deteriorating in detention. Duterte was arrested in March last year and had been due to stand trial at The Hague in September but proceedings were postponed so a panel of medical experts could assess his health. Duterte is charged in relation to a crackdown on the drug trade during his presidency. Estimates of the number of people killed range from the more than 6,000 reported by police to up to 30,000 claimed by human rights groups.

More from AP here.

South Sudan

There is a “heightened risk of mass violence” against civilians in South Sudan as fighting intensifies in Jonglei state, according to the UN. Army spokesperson Lul Ruai Koan ordered civilians to “evacuate” areas controlled by the Sudan People's Liberation Army in Opposition and move to government-controlled areas. He said that if they did not, they “would be considered as legitimate military targets.” South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, has been beset by violence between rival factions since becoming independent from Sudan in 2011.

More from France 24 here.

NB: Proximities has published two deep dives on the war in Sudan for paid subscribers. Consider going paid for weekly Q&As that put our world in context.