Fatal Church Attack in DR Congo Tied to Islamic State Affiliation

In a tragic incident, a significant number of fatalities were reported following an assault attributed to an affiliate of the Islamic State in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Local authorities indicated that approximately 20 victims included churchgoers participating in a night vigil in Komanda when they were ambushed by fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

The attack resulted in widespread looting and destruction of nearby businesses, with the ADF, originally formed in Uganda in the 1990s, now operating across the border in DR Congo. This group has consistently targeted civilians regardless of their faith and is now connected to the Islamic State’s Central African Province.

Dieudonne Duranthabo, a civil society representative in Komanda, reported that the casualty count may rise as efforts to uncover more victims continue, while Father Aime Lokana Dhego stated that a confirmed toll of 31 had come from the Eucharistic Crusade movement, including additional casualties and reports of abductions.

The United Nations-affiliated Radio Okapi reported 43 fatalities, though an army spokesperson confirmed only 10. Despite the invitation of Ugandan military assistance in 2021 to combat the ADF, violent outbreaks persist in the mineral-rich Ituri province, long a battleground for various armed factions.

Source: www.bbc.com

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