Major move from branch of Islamic State traced by organisation George Clooney set up

Major move from branch of Islamic State traced by organisation George Clooney set up Human rights organisation The Sentry says it has found fresh evidence the terrorist group is gathering resources in West Africa A human rights organisation set up by George Clooney says it has traced a significant move from a branch of Islamic State. Investigators at The Sentry say they have found how Ugandan rebels, linked to the brutal terrorist group and responsible for multiple slaughters in recent months, have moved explosives and army fatigues through the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A report by the organisation claims it discovered explosives and army fatigues for the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) being transported through the city of Goma. That city is currently controlled by the rebel forces of M23 as bloody conflict still rages across the DRC. Washington has sanctioned Rwanda's Ministry of Defence for allegedly backing the group. The report from The Sentry says: "While these incidents do not establish direct collaboration, they indicate permissive transit corridors, tolerated movement, or gaps in M23 territorial control that may indirectly facilitate ADF logistics." The report also documents in September 2025, the arrest of an ADF collaborator "while collecting explosives from Goma". M23 are accused by the United Nations and Amnesty International of committing widespread war crimes and crimes against humanity in the region. Critics say this piles pressure on why Rwanda has been picked for the Kigali Grand Prix. Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK's Head of Campaigns, said: "Arsenal, Aston Villa, the cycling world championships and now Formula 1 – Rwanda is buying into the world’s biggest sports to polish its image and deflect from its appalling human rights record. "Formula 1 says sport can be ‘a positive force for good’. That rings hollow if F1 shrugs off who it is partnering with. Rwanda’s authorities are prolific in arbitrary detention, torture and the repression of free speech – these are abuses at home. "Beyond its borders, we are seeing bloodshed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda is playing a significant role in fuelling the conflict and related human rights abuses – both through its support to the M23 armed group and the direct actions of Rwanda’s military in eastern Congo. "Formula 1 must not be a bystander. It should use its influence with the Rwandan authorities to push for change, rather than lend its brand to a PR exercise." A spokesperson for Formula 1 defended the decision, saying F1 can be a "positive force for good". They said: "We have a long track record of delivering significant economic, social and cultural value to our host nations. Through this race we have the opportunity to inspire and bring the passion of F1 to more than 100 million of our fans across Africa and firmly believe that sport can be a positive force for good. "When racing around the world we ensure the exceptional standards, values and integrity of the sport are shared and delivered by both promoters and partners. As we've seen, sport can be a huge driver of change and unifying force and look forward to the positive impact that the African Grand Prix will have." In November, the ADF slaughtered 89 civilians in multiple attacks across east Congo. The violent assaults were carried out by fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces in several localities of North Kivu province between November 13 and November 19, and the 89 killed included at least 20 women and an undetermined number of children. In one of the attacks the rebels attacked a health centre operated by the Catholic Church in Byambwe, killing at least 17 people including women who had gone there to receive maternity care and setting alight four wards housing patients. In September 2025, the ADF claimed responsibility for one of its deadliest attacks in recent months that claimed the lives of more than 60 civilians at a funeral in eastern Congo. Africa is rapidly becoming the new heartland of global jihad, as franchises of IS, Boko Haram, and Al Qaeda have been carving out strongholds across the continent. Visit Rwanda was approached for comment.