In a tragic incident in north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, an attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an affiliate of the Islamic State, results in the deaths of worshippers and heightened fears over security in an area plagued by violence.
### Recent Attack by Islamic State Affiliate Claims Lives in DR Congo
### Recent Attack by Islamic State Affiliate Claims Lives in DR Congo
A violent assault linked to the ADF leaves dozens dead, highlighting ongoing security issues in the region.
Dozens of people were tragically killed in a brutal assault by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an affiliate of the Islamic State, in north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local officials report. The attack occurred during a night vigil at a church in Komanda, where approximately 20 of the deceased were worshippers participating in the service. Eyewitnesses noted that nearby businesses were also targeted, with shops looted and set ablaze.
The ADF, which originated in Uganda during the 1990s citing oppression against Muslims, has shifted its base of operations into DR Congo. The group has expanded its agenda to include attacking civilians from various religious backgrounds, complicating the already volatile security situation in both Uganda and DR Congo. It is part of the Islamic State's Central African Province, which includes affiliates operating in Mozambique as well.
Reports indicate that the casualty count may rise as local civil society coordinator Dieudonne Duranthabo mentioned that ongoing searches could uncover more victims. “More than 21 people were shot dead inside and outside [the church],” Duranthabo stated, adding that at least three charred bodies and various burned homes were discovered. Father Aime Lokana Dhego, a priest from the area, informed the media that the death toll among members of the Eucharistic Crusade movement has reached at least 31, alongside several injuries and kidnappings that remain unresolved.
While official figures from the army confirm only 10 fatalities, other estimates, including from the UN-sponsored Radio Okapi, suggest that the toll could be as high as 43. The persistent attacks underscore the challenges faced by the DR Congo government, which had previously invited Ugandan forces to assist in countering the threat posed by the ADF. However, violence continues, notably in the mineral-rich Ituri province, which has been contested by various armed factions for years.
