Dozens killed in Islamist attack on parish in DR Congo

Members of the Islamist rebel group Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) struck on September 8-9 in Ntoyo in the parish of St Joseph of Manguredjipa in the province of North Kivu. The massacre left at least 64 dead, many of whom were killed while taking part in a wake.

The attackers used firearms and hammers, and some homes were selectively set alight, suggesting that this was a premeditated act of terror. Local authorities have worked to implement new security measures.

The ADF is an Islamist insurgent group originally from Uganda. In 2019, the ADF formally aligned itself with the Islamic State’s Central Africa Province (IS-CAP). The group has been responsible for a number of massacres in eastern Congo, which have been characterised by their extreme violence against civilians, especially Christians.

The situation in eastern Congo can only be described as dire. The violence has intensified all over the region of North and South Kivu, leading to massive displacement of populations and a serious humanitarian crisis. Although many provinces have been under martial law for years, with a heavy presence of Congolese armed forces, Ugandan troops and a UN mission, the attacks continue.

The Congolese Bishops’ Conference has denounced the fact that in these regions the population continues to suffer from murders and kidnappings, describing the killings as “odious massacres” carried out against innocent faithful.

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ACN denounces new massacre in Ntoyo as situation in eastern Congo deteriorates (Aid to the Church in Need)