In a devastating attack by an affiliate of the Islamic State, at least 20 worshippers were killed in the town of Komanda, local officials report. The violence occurred as congregation members were participating in a night vigil at their church. Reports indicate that the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) fighters also looted and set nearby businesses ablaze.
The ADF originated in Uganda during the 1990s, citing the persecution of Muslims, but has since established a base in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This group continues to target civilians indiscriminately, regardless of their religious beliefs, both in DRC and Uganda. The ADF has become affiliated with the Islamic State’s Central African Province, which also encompasses a faction in Mozambique. According to research from BBC Monitoring, almost 90% of Islamic State's global operations are now attributed to its affiliates in Africa.
Dieudonne Duranthabo, a local civil society leader, hinted that more casualties could emerge as searches continue. He indicated that over 21 individuals were shot, with at least three bodies burned, and several homes incinerated in the hours following the assault. Father Aime Lokana Dhego, a local priest, reported a higher death toll, claiming that at least 31 members of a church movement were confirmed dead and reiterating that six others sustained serious injuries. He expressed concern over a number of young individuals reported missing after the attack. While the UN-backed Radio Okapi reported 43 fatalities, an army spokesperson reported 10 confirmed deaths.
Despite efforts to combat such violence, including the invitation of Ugandan troops into DRC to address the ADF threat in 2021, attacks persist. The area where this assault occurred, Ituri province, is known for its rich mineral deposits and has been a battleground for various armed groups for years.
