At least 21 killed in brutal attack on church in Congo

On July 27, 2025, an attack occurred at a Catholic church in Komanda, eastern Congo, where at least 21 individuals were killed by rebels associated with the Islamic State. According to Dieudonne Duranthabo, a civil society leader in Komanda, the assault started around 1 a.m. during which many victims were shot both inside and outside the church premises. Additionally, three charred bodies were reported and several local houses and shops were set ablaze during the attack. The Allied Democratic Force (ADF), the group responsible for this incident, has a long-standing history of violence against civilian populations in the region, especially around the border areas between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their association with the Islamic State adds a concerning layer of international terrorism to their local insurgency movements. The attack has prompted alarming discussions about the security situation in eastern Congo, where rebel activities have posed recurrent threats to local communities over the last decade. The Congolese army has confirmed the deaths, with Lieutenant Jules Ngongo stating that about ten victims were confirmed to have been killed and that an incursion occurred into the church by armed men wielding machetes. There is ongoing uncertainty regarding the final death toll, as reports suggest that the search for additional victims and details is still underway. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence and instability in eastern Congo, where armed groups, particularly the ADF, continue to exploit the region's fraught political climate and weak governmental control. The local civilian population has become increasingly vulnerable, facing attacks that target not just religious institutions but also everyday commerce and life, leading to widespread fear and instability.