Islamists kill 52 Christians in Congo attacks

Militants affiliated with Islamic State have killed 52 Christians in a recent wave of violence within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

From 9 to 17 August numerous attacks were carried out in villages within the North Kivu Province. The attacks are believed to be the work of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) a bunch that has pledged itself to Islamic State.

At the start of the 12 months the DRC was wracked by violence between government forces and M23, an armed group allegedly backed by neighbouring Rwanda. M23 made significant gains, including taking town of Goma. A ceasefire between M23 and the federal government was agreed, nonetheless a final peace deal is yet to materialise.

Experts warned that the conflict with M23 could give a chance to the ADF to perform more attacks while the federal government’s eyes were elsewhere.

This prediction sadly has proven true. In July the ADF killed 43 Christians at a prayer vigil in Konanda. Seventy Christians found beheaded in a Protestant church in Kasanga at the start of the 12 months are also believed to be the work of the ADF.

In the newest attacks, homes were burnt and peculiar villagers killed. Many who weren’t killed have now been displaced from their homes and find themselves short on basic necessities.

DRC security services claim that the attacks were revenge for recent defeats suffered by the ADF. Being unable to beat the military, they’re venting their frustration on the civilian population.

Jo Newhouse, a spokesperson for anti-persecution group Open Doors, said, “Whatever the motivation are for these attacks, the ADF were clearly singling out Christians targets as they repeatedly do.

“They have an expansionist agenda for his or her extreme type of Islam and are ruthless in how they carry it out.”

Newhouse called upon Christians to hope for those within the DRC and that the federal government there would finally find a way to bring a few peaceful society within the troubled country.