A brutal attack in the Democratic Republic of Congo led to the deaths of numerous churchgoers, attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces, an affiliate of ISIS. Local officials report rising casualties and heightened concerns over security in the mineral-rich region of Ituri province.
Deadly Attack on Churchgoers in DR Congo Attributed to ISIS Affiliate
Deadly Attack on Churchgoers in DR Congo Attributed to ISIS Affiliate
An assault by the Allied Democratic Forces during a night vigil leaves dozens dead in Komanda, emphasizing the growing threat of IS-linked groups in Africa.
Dozens of worshippers were killed in a harrowing attack carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an affiliate of the Islamic State, in the town of Komanda in north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The victims were attending a night vigil at a local church when the attack occurred, highlighting the severe danger posed by IS-linked groups in Africa.
Local officials estimate that at least 20 churchgoers died during the onslaught, with further reports indicating that many more bodies may yet be discovered. A civil society leader in Komanda, Dieudonne Duranthabo, stated, "More than 21 people were shot dead inside and outside [the church] and we have recorded at least three charred bodies and several houses burned. The search is continuing."
According to local priest Father Aime Lokana Dhego, the toll could rise to 31 confirmed deaths from the Eucharistic Crusade movement, with additional reports of young people kidnapped during the chaos. The UN-sponsored Radio Okapi agency reported that up to 43 individuals may have died in the raid, underscoring the grave humanitarian crisis in the area. The army, however, confirmed only 10 fatalities.
The ADF, originally formed in Uganda, claims it was established in reaction to perceived persecution of Muslims by the Ugandan government. While it initially operated in Uganda, its activities have increasingly shifted to DR Congo, resulting in abuse and attacks on civilians of all faiths. The group is now a significant entity in the Islamic State's Central African Province, which also encompasses factions in Mozambique.
Despite efforts made by DR Congo to combat ADF insurgency with the assistance of Ugandan troops, violence remains rampant in the mineral-rich Ituri province, an area plagued by sporadic conflict among various armed groups for decades.
As the threat from the ADF continues to grow, there is a pressing need for comprehensive strategies to address the escalating violence and protect vulnerable populations within the region.
