Under attack on two fronts
The predominantly Christian population in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is under siege from two sides, with countless civilians suffering from brutal attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and M23—militant groups driven by distinctly different agendas.
ADF
The IS-affiliated ADF has been attacking predominantly Christian villages in the Beni territory of North Kivu province since 2014. Christians in the area report that the group has been wreaking havoc – killing people and burning and looting properties – as far as the Lubero territory and Ituri province, North Kivu’s northern neighbouring province. Earlier in Feb local and international media reported that 70 people have been found dead inside a church in Kasanga, Lubero.
Field partners informed ServAfrica that militants attacked the village of Mayba at about 4 am on Thursday, February 13. Going door to door, they managed to capture some 20 Christians. Community members gathered and attempted to free the captives, but 50 ended up being taken too.
“From the reports we heard, these civilians were killed in the most brutal of ways, mowed down with machetes and hammers”
Reported by regional communications officer, Amora* to ServAfrica.
Under the continued targeted ADF attacks, the Christian population have been forced to abandon villages and seek refuge in informal displacement settlements, often offering extremely poor living conditions.
M23 Movement
Apart from the incessant attacks from ADF in the region, the M23 Movement, a rebel group with connections to Rwanda, has gained control of almost all of North Kivu, with the exception of the territory of Beni and part of the south of Lubero territory. They are in control of most of Goma and have now also taken control of Bukavu, the second largest city in the East, and capital of the South Kivu Province.
While they are not specifically targeting Christians because of their faith, the church is greatly affected by the instability caused by the fighting. An unknown number of Christians have been killed, millions have been displaced and churches in the area has had to suspend most of their activities.
Prayer Points
- Pray that God will comfort those who have lost loved ones and possessions.
- Pray for the strengthening of the faith of Christians living in areas threatened by the ADF.
- Pray for insecurity in the east of the DRC, that the Lord’s intervention will stop the attacks and calm the situation
- Let us pray for the ADF, that the Lord will bring them to repentance and into relationship with Him. If they harden their hearts towards God, pray that He will confuse their plans.
*The individual’s name has been altered to protect their privacy.
Democratic Republic of the Congo- Seek restoration for churches looted and vandalized in Kinshasa, Kasai, and North Kivu. Pray for safe spaces where believers can worship and serve.
- Uphold converts from Islam and indigenous religions, facing family pressure and violence in North Kivu. Pray for their safety and support to live out their faith in secret.
- The DRC’s government under President Tshisekedi grapples with corruption and impunity, ranked 169th on the 2023 Corruption Index. Pray for just leadership to protect all citizens.
- Pray for Muslims and other minorities facing unequal treatment. Ask for harmony and fairness, that Christians may build bridges while sharing the Gospel.
- Support Christian men and boys, especially leaders, facing forced recruitment, torture, and killings. Pray for their safety and provision for families crippled by economic loss.
- Ask for comfort for thousands of displaced Christians, whose villages and churches have been destroyed by militias. Pray for resources and refuge for those in need.
- Pray for youth struggling with limited education and job access due to violence. Ask the Church to guide them with faith and purpose to resist militia influence.
- Thank God for the DRC’s vast land and its 98,152,000 people. Pray for healing and peace to overcome decades of conflict and division.
- Celebrate the faith of 93,396,000 Christians, nearly 95% of the population, standing firm despite violence. Ask for strength to remain a beacon of hope.
- Praise God for the Church’s resilience in sharing the Gospel amid hostility. Pray for boldness and opportunities to reach hearts in troubled regions.
- The DRC ranks 35th on the 2025 World Watch List, with persecution driven by Islamic militias and corruption. Pray for courage and clarity for Christians facing threats in North Kivu and Ituri.
- Lift up pastors targeted with abductions and intimidation by groups like ADF-NALU. Ask for their protection, wisdom, and endurance to lead their flocks through danger.
- Pray for Christian women and girls in eastern DRC, vulnerable to abduction, rape, and forced marriage by armed groups. Seek their safety and healing from trauma and shame.
