In a recent assault linked to the Islamic State, approximately 20 churchgoers were killed during a night vigil in Komanda, DR Congo. This attack, attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) — an affiliate of the Islamic State — highlights the geopolitical complexities and increased violence facing civilians in the region.
Tragic Attack in DR Congo Claims Lives of Worshippers as Violence Escalates
Tragic Attack in DR Congo Claims Lives of Worshippers as Violence Escalates
Dozens of churchgoers are among the victims of a brutal assault by an Islamic State-linked group in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reflecting the growing threat of violence in the region.
Dozens of worshippers were tragically killed in a recent attack attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an affiliate of the Islamic State, in north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Reports indicate that about 20 of the deceased were attending a night vigil at a local church in the town of Komanda when the assault occurred.
According to local officials, the raid saw not only the loss of life but also the destruction of nearby shops and businesses, which were looted and subsequently set on fire. The violence underscores the risks posed by the ADF, a group that originated in Uganda during the 1990s and has since relocated its operations to DR Congo, where it targets civilians indiscriminately, regardless of their religious affiliations.
Research indicates that nearly 90% of Islamic State's activities presently stem from its African affiliates, with the ADF now operating extensively within the region. Dieudonne Duranthabo, a civil society representative in Komanda, reported that the death toll could rise, as search efforts for additional victims continued in the aftermath.
Priest Father Aime Lokana Dhego noted at least 31 fatalities among church members of the Eucharistic Crusade movement, along with several injuries and kidnappings. The UN-sponsored Radio Okapi website claims the death count is as high as 43, although military representatives have confirmed only 10 deaths so far.
In response to the persistent violence from the ADF, couched as counterterrorism efforts, DR Congo had permitted Ugandan troops to assist in operations against the group in 2021. However, acts of brutality remain rampant. The recent attack in Komanda serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ituri province, a region rich in minerals yet rife with struggles among various armed factions.
