In a recent assault attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) linked with the Islamic State, approximately 20 churchgoers were among the dozens killed during a night vigil in Komanda, a town in northeastern DR Congo. The attack has reignited fears about the increasing frequency of violent episodes driven by militant groups in the area.
Tragic Assault on Worshippers in DR Congo Highlights Dangers of Armed Conflict
Tragic Assault on Worshippers in DR Congo Highlights Dangers of Armed Conflict
A deadly attack by an Islamic State affiliate in the Democratic Republic of Congo has left dozens dead, emphasizing the alarming rise of extremist violence in the region.
Dozens have been killed in a horrific assault by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamic State-affiliated militant group, during a night vigil at a church in Komanda, located in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Local officials have reported that about 20 worshippers were among the dead, as fighters targeted the religious gathering, setting nearby businesses ablaze and looting the premises.
The ADF, which originated in Uganda in the 1990s, claims to fight against perceived government persecution of Muslims. However, its activities have expanded into DR Congo, where it frequently attacks civilians across religious lines. The group's affiliation with the Islamic State's Central African Province continues to escalate the level of violence, with reports indicating that nearly 90% of Islamic State's operations are now conducted by affiliates in Africa.
Reports from civil society member Dieudonne Duranthabo indicate that the death toll may rise as search efforts continue. "More than 21 people were shot dead inside and outside [the church], and we have recorded at least three charred bodies along with multiple homes set on fire," he told the Associated Press. Local priest Father Aime Lokana Dhego provided additional details, citing at least 31 casualties among the Eucharistic Crusade movement, along with reports of missing young individuals.
The UN-supported Radio Okapi reported the number of fatalities to be as high as 43, while a military spokesperson confirmed 10 deaths. Despite efforts in 2021 that included the deployment of Ugandan troops to combat the ADF, the violence persists unabated, particularly in the mineral-rich Ituri province, a hotspot for various armed group conflicts.
As global attention turns towards the escalating crisis in DR Congo, this tragic event serves as a harsh reminder of the persistent threats posed by extremist factions within the region.
