21 Killed in Congo Church massacre by Islamic State Rebels
Islamic State-Linked ADF Rebels Kill 21 in Congo Church Attack
In a shocking act of violence, at least 21 people were killed in the early hours of Sunday when Islamic State-backed rebels attacked a Catholic church compound in Komanda, a town in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The attackers, members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), set homes and shops on fire, leaving a trail of devastation and fear among the local population.
ADF Militants Strike at Dawn
The brutal attack began around 1 a.m., when worshippers were gathered at the church. Local civil society leader Dieudonné Duranthabo reported that several victims were discovered inside and outside the church. Some were burned beyond recognition, raising concerns that the death toll could increase further as rescue operations continue.
Military officials have confirmed the incident. Lt. Jules Ngongo, army spokesperson for Ituri province, stated, “At least 10 people were killed in a machete attack near the church.” He also confirmed that several nearby shops were set ablaze during the raid.
Who Are the ADF?
The ADF is a Uganda-rooted Islamist militant group that has operated in eastern Congo since 2002. Originally formed in the 1990s in Uganda, the group relocated after military pressure drove them across the border. Since then, it has become one of the deadliest extremist groups in Central Africa, aligning itself with the Islamic State (ISIS) in recent years.
The ADF has a clear objective: to establish an Islamic state in the region. In pursuit of this vision, it has unleashed relentless violence on civilians, targeting churches, schools, and entire villages.
Just weeks ago, the group carried out another massacre in Congo’s Ituri province. The United Nations described that incident as a “bloodbath,” calling for stronger regional cooperation and international support to stop the violence.
Growing Calls for Security Intervention
Local residents and leaders are outraged by the lack of effective military presence in Komanda. Duranthabo voiced his frustration: “Despite military deployments, our communities remain vulnerable. The enemy is still nearby.”
Many residents are now fleeing Komanda, seeking safety in Bunia and other neighboring towns. Humanitarian agencies are monitoring the displacement closely, as thousands have already been uprooted due to prior ADF attacks.
Civil society groups are urging the Congolese government and international partners to boost security in eastern Congo, particularly in religious and educational institutions that have become frequent targets.
Congo Battles ADF and M23 Simultaneously
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army faces multiple threats in the region. Alongside its battle against the ADF, it is also confronting renewed clashes with the M23 rebel group.
The Congolese government accuses neighboring Rwanda of supporting M23 — a charge Kigali denies. This dual threat complicates efforts to stabilize the region and safeguard civilians from extremist violence.
Meanwhile, UN peacekeepers and regional troops remain spread thin across eastern Congo, limiting their ability to respond quickly to emerging threats.