70 Christians abducted, murdered in church in conflict-torn DRC

In one of the most concerning incidents in recent weeks in the troubled Democratic Republic of Congo, suspected Islamist militants rounded up 70 Christians, took them to a church and killed them with machetes and hammers, reports persecuted church watchdog Open Doors.

Open Doors field sources say the violence began at about 4am on Thursday February 13 as militants captured and tied up some 20 Christians in the community of Mayba.The militants are suspected to be members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group with ties to the Islamic State group. 

“Militants went door by door saying: ‘Get out, get out and don’t make any noise,'” says an elder in another town about 40 km from Mayba. “20 Christian men and women came out, and they tied them up for an unknown destination.” 

Mayba is predominantly Christian and is located in the North Kivu province in eastern DRC, which has also been home to fierce fighting as another rebel group, Rwanda-backed M23, has taken over territory. 

An estimated 120 militant groups are currently involved in the decades-long DRC conflict that has killed about 6 million people and displaced many more.

The Isis-aligned ADF stands out among the groups for its brutal tactics and explicit animosity toward Christianity

Responding to ADF attacks in January that left 15 dead, pastors in North Kivu province told International Christian Concern (ICC) that the violence often targets Christians and has decimated churches.

“We are no longer talking about simple violence,” one pastor said. “We are losing fellow innocent Christians time and again. Our churches are now remaining empty…. the people of the Lord are suffering, and it’s just not bearable to watch.”

Following the latest ADF massacre of 70 Christians, John Samuels, Open Doors legal expert for sub-Saharan Africa, said: “Open Doors strongly condemns this heinous act of violence against civilians and calls on civil societies, governments and international organisations to prioritise civilian protection in eastern DRC where armed groups such as the ADF are operating. The violence takes place in a context of impunity, where almost no one is held accountable.This massacre is a clear indicator of widespread human rights violations against civilians and vulnerable communities, often targeting Christians, perpetrated by ADF — an SIS affiliate. 

“We further call on the international Christian community to remain in prayer for Christians and vulnerable communities in eastern DRC,” Samuel continues. “Pray for an end to violence and that government at all levels will diligently, impartially and transparently address the violence and its effects. Pray for the Church in the Lubero territory as she seeks to bring physical and spiritual assistance to the families affected.” 

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