Nearly 20 Christians reportedly killed in ADF attack in DRC

Reverend Kitika, from one of the Baptist churches in Ituri province, is dealing with both a tragedy and a miracle in his congregation. He lost two members of his church in the Muchacha attack which occurred overnight between 11 – 12 March 2026. The two congregants were among a group of some 20 civilians killed by members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in a two-day spree.

Islamic State media sources claim they killed 17 Christians and abducted 100 others in the north-eastern region, with the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) using their platforms to report “a bloody attack” on “the Christian village of Muchacha”.

In addition to a spate of killings, the rebels set fire to houses, lorries, tractors, and camps at a Chinese-owned mining site, and took several hostages. One of them was Rev. Kitika’s 17-year-old son.

“When the Islamists arrived, he was taken hostage along with the others,” recounts Kitika. “There, the Islamists forced the hostages to wash the sand for three days so they could extract gold. God is wonderful: the loyalist forces attacked the Islamists, and while everyone was scattered, my son managed to escape. We give thanks to God for this miracle.” 

On Monday, 16 March 2026, the Islamists continued their carnage by attacking Babesua, a village located some 12km from Badengaido, where they killed another ten people, set fire to houses and vehicles, and looted valuables. 

Churches, schools, and health facilities in these villages have mostly been closed following this spate of violence. In a 15 March statement, issued by the Ministry of Communication and Media, the DRC government strongly condemns the attacks.