At Least 38 Killed in Brutal Attack on Catholic Church in Eastern Congo
In the early hours of Sunday, July 27, 2025, a devastating attack occurred in Komanda, Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as militants affiliated with the Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) stormed a Catholic church. The armed assailants struck during an overnight vigil organized by the humanitarian group Caritas, employing machetes and firearms, reports 24brussels.
Local civil society leaders reported at least 38 fatalities, with multiple homes and shops set ablaze during the raid. Many of the victims were part of the Eucharistic Crusade movement, seeking prayer and support in their place of worship.
As of Monday, search and rescue efforts for the missing continue, while survivors receiving medical care are facing challenges due to overwhelmed local facilities. Dieudonne Duranthabo, a civil society coordinator in Komanda, referred to the attack as “incredible,” highlighting the unexpected nature of the violence in an area known to host security forces. He called for immediate military intervention, noting that the attackers were still believed to be in the vicinity.
The ADF has escalated its operations in recent weeks across Ituri and North Kivu provinces. Earlier in the month, the group was linked to another massacre, prompting the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO) to label the violence as a “bloodbath.” The UN has condemned the resurgence of the ADF, emphasizing the need for enhanced protective measures for civilians.
Originally formed in Uganda in the 1990s as a resistance group against President Yoweri Museveni’s government, the ADF relocated to Congo in 2002 following military offensives from Uganda. The group has since been responsible for the deaths of thousands, predominantly targeting Christian institutions and rural communities.
In 2019, the ADF pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, marking a troubling shift toward more ideologically motivated violence. This association has complicated efforts by Congolese and Ugandan forces to combat the group, which has expanded its use of terror tactics across various demographics.
The attack in Komanda underscores the increasing insecurity plaguing the region, where the Congolese army is challenged not only by the ADF but also by the M23 rebel movement, which is reportedly receiving support from Rwanda, exacerbating regional instability.
In the aftermath of the attack, residents of Komanda are experiencing heightened fear, with many fleeing to safer locales while others remain to safeguard their homes. Community leaders are advocating for a more robust government response to ensure the safety of civilians.
Survivors have recounted harrowing experiences from the night of violence, detailing a once peaceful gathering that transformed into chaos filled with smoke and cries of children. This tragedy marks one of the darkest moments in the recent history of Komanda.
This latest massacre highlights the profound vulnerability of eastern Congo’s communities and raises critical questions regarding the effectiveness of both domestic and international strategies to combat insurgent violence. Without prompt and coordinated intervention, the region risks further deterioration into chaos and destruction.
