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At least 43 people, including nine children, lost their lives after armed rebels attacked a Catholic church in the northeastern town of Komanda, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on Sunday.
The assault, attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), occurred as worshippers gathered for evening prayers.
According to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), the attackers struck during a night vigil, leaving devastation in their wake. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as armed men entered the building and began firing indiscriminately.
The ADF, a rebel group originally based in Uganda, has gained notoriety over the years for brutal attacks across eastern Congo. Since aligning itself with the Islamic State in 2019, the group has been behind a string of atrocities, including the deadly Kasindi church bombing in early 2023.
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In Sunday’s attack, not only were dozens killed, but surrounding homes and small businesses were also set on fire, turning much of the Komanda area into a smoldering ruin by morning. Local sources have confirmed that several people remain unaccounted for, and rescue efforts are ongoing.
Located in the Ituri Province, Komanda lies in a region long affected by ethnic strife, armed militias, and instability. The Congolese army, alongside MONUSCO peacekeepers, has been active in the area for years, but communities continue to face recurrent violence.
The Congolese government has yet to issue an official statement, though human rights advocates are calling for swift and decisive action. “What happened in Komanda is not just a tragedy; it’s a reflection of deep insecurity in the region,” said a representative from a local humanitarian group.
