Nearly 40 killed in church attack in Congo

Islamic State-backed rebels have killed nearly 40 people during an attack on a church in eastern Congo.

Attack on Congolese church leaves nearly 40 dead

In eastern Congo's Ituri province, an attack on a Catholic church during a vigil resulted in the deaths of nearly 40 people. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, involved rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces, affiliated with the Islamic State, who opened fire on worshippers, including many women and children. The Congolese army confirmed that at least 38 individuals died inside the church, with others killed nearby. This assault is part of a broader pattern of violence against civilians by the ADF, which has historical roots in Uganda. The group has increasingly targeted remote villages in eastern Congo after losing ground in Uganda, complicating the already volatile situation in a region plagued by multiple armed conflicts.

The tragic church attack illustrates the persistent threat posed by the ADF in eastern Congo, compromising the safety of civilian lives. The ongoing conflict has become deeply entrenched, with the ADF exploiting distractions from other military efforts, particularly against rival groups like M23. As civilians become collateral in a wider struggle, the failure of military responses raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of international efforts to stabilize the region. The Congolese government's response may further fuel public anger and frustration over their inability to ensure safety.

Highlights

The rising violence underscores the dire need for a more effective strategy to protect civilians.