Dozens of people were tragically killed in an assault by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an affiliate of ISIS, in north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Local officials reported that about 20 of the deceased were worshippers attending a night vigil at a church in the town of Komanda. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos, with nearby shops looted and set ablaze.
The ADF, which originated in Uganda in the 1990s, claims to defend Muslims against persecution. However, its operations now predominantly occur in DR Congo, targeting civilians of all faiths, as well as in Uganda. It has joined forces with the Islamic State's Central African Province, which also includes groups operating in Mozambique.
Dieudonne Duranthabo, a civil society coordinator in Komanda, revealed that search efforts for additional victims were ongoing, indicating a higher death toll than initially reported. Local priest Father Aime Lokana Dhego confirmed at least 31 fatalities, mentioning that some young individuals had been kidnapped, with no news on their status.
While a spokesperson for the army could verify only 10 deaths, the UN-backed Radio Okapi website reported 43 casualties. Despite DR Congo seeking support from Ugandan troops in 2021 to combat the ADF, attacks persist across the region. The violence underscores the ongoing struggles within Ituri province, rich in minerals but plagued by armed conflict.
