Islamic State-backed rebels attack church, killing dozens in Congo

In a tragic incident in eastern Congo, Islamic State-backed rebels perpetrated an attack on a Catholic church, resulting in the deaths of at least 34 individuals. The assault took place in the town of Komanda, Ituri province, during the early hours of Sunday morning. According to Dieudonne Duranthabo, a local civil society leader, the attackers stormed the church around 1 a.m., subsequently burning several houses and shops in the vicinity. Shocked locals reported seeing charred structures and bodies at the scene, as volunteers organized preparations for a mass burial on church grounds. In addition to the church attack, a prior assault on the nearby village of Machongani led to the deaths of at least five more people. Lossa Dhekana, another civil society leader, mentioned that several victims were abducted and taken into the bush, their fates remaining uncertain. Both attacks have been attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group affiliated with the Islamic State, which has been responsible for numerous attacks against civilians in the region. The ADF, which originated in Uganda in the late 1990s due to discontent with the government, relocated to Congo in 2002 after military confrontations. Since its inception, the group has killed thousands and has garnered international attention following its pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State in 2019. Current reports indicate that the Congolese army has had significant difficulties in curbing the ADF's activities, particularly as they face renewed conflict involving the M23 rebel movement backed by Rwanda. Local leaders have condemned the violence, as Duranthabo called for immediate military intervention, warning of the ongoing threat posed by these armed groups. Confusing reports of fatalities have emerged, with the Congolese army initially confirming only ten fatalities, while a United Nations-backed Radio reported 43 deaths. This troubling incident highlights the continued vulnerability of civilians in eastern Congo, where armed groups frequently clash with local populations, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures in the region.