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.

Allied Democratic Forces (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.