On Saturday, 9 August, Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) began attacking communities in the North Kivu province of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The attacks continued until 17 August, resulting in more than 50 people killed, including women and children.
The ADF, who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS), killed civilians with machetes and garden tools in the Beni and Lubero territories of the North Kivu.
Timeline of Attacks
- 9 August: The series of attacks began with a vehicle transporting passengers and goods from Butembo to Bunia being ambushed and burnt. Its occupants remain unaccounted for.
- 14 August: The ADF killed three people in Mayi-Moya, situated 40 kilometres from Beni city.
- Between 14-15 August: The ADF killed 32 people in Melia village, sources say. The victims include women and children. “Ten others were killed in the nearby village”, a security source in Beni shares.
- 16 August: The attackers targeted Mulango, Banjiji, and Busio killing another 4 people, burning several houses, and looting the area.
- 17 August: Open Doors’ local field contacts add the ADF also killed at least nine people on this day, including one soldier, in Oicha.
“It was at about 7 p.m., precisely in the Mbimbi neighbourhood. They massacred many people here in Oicha… many houses burnt; many houses burnt,” a church leader in Oicha shares. The attackers also burnt motorbikes, causing people to flee for their lives.
“We continue to ask for your assistance in prayer,” the church leader pleaded.
Relentless Attacks, Thousands Fleeing Home
In a statement issued on Monday, 18 August, the UN Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) condemned the attacks, which have “cost the lives of at least 52 civilians, including eight women and two children, including a young girl,” Radiookapi reports.
These attacks come on the heels of the brutal killing of 43 Christians in July who gathered for a prayer vigil in Komanda.
Thousands of people fleeing ADF attacks in the Lubero territory have sought refuge in Njiapanda and Mangurujipa, living under dire humanitarian conditions.
Reuters, citing Congolese army spokesperson Lieutenant Elongo Kyondwa Marc, reports that, “the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels were taking revenge on civilians after suffering defeats by Congolese forces”.
Open Doors’ local field contacts are working to determine how many Christians are among those killed. While it’s not only Christians who are targeted in these attacks, they are a preferred target for the terrorist group who have an expansionist agenda, as Christians won’t comply with their strict and radical interpretation of Islam.
Open Doors’ Statement
“It is unacceptable that these attacks on civilians continue with impunity,” says Jo Newhouse*, spokesperson for Open Doors’ work in Sub-Saharan Africa. “Open Doors strongly condemns these ongoing acts of violence against civilians and call upon civil societies, governments, and international organisations to prioritise civilian protection in eastern DRC where armed groups, such as the ADF, are operating.
“We call on the international Christian community to remain in prayer for Christians and vulnerable communities in eastern DRC. Pray for an end to violence and that government at all levels will diligently, impartially, and transparently address the violence and its effects. Pray for the Church in the Lubero Territory as she seeks to bring physical and spiritual assistance to the families affected.”
*Name changed for security purposes.
Please pray:
- Please pray for the Church in eastern DRC amid this violent rise of ADF-related attacks in the North Kivu.
- Pray for the Church to experience God’s peace amid the chaos.
- Pray for effective government measures to counter the ADF.
- Pray for our local partners and church leaders as they minister to the displaced and affected people.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
