At least 80 Christians killed: Attacks in the Democratic Republic of Congo continue unabated

After further devastating attacks, your prayers for Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to be urgently needed.

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At least 80 Christians have been killed in a series of attacks in North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The attacks took place in several villages between June 4 and 8. June 7 was the deadliest day when armed militants attacked Masala, Mahihi and Keme, killing over 50 worshippers. Houses were also burnt down and several people are reported missing.

The brutal attacks continue despite the ongoing Operation Cheng Gong in the region, led by the UN peacekeeping forces (MONUSCO) and the coalition between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).

The victims are members of various churches, including the 3e CBCA, CEBSE, the Catholic Church and the CECA20. Many of them were working on their farms at the time of the attack. The perpetrators are believed to be the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group with links to the so-called Islamic State (IS).

“It is really prayer, nothing but prayer,” says Pastor Kambale Aristote of the CECA20 church. “We have understood that the aim of the ADF is to convert everyone to Islam and that this is a persecution on a large scale. We ask all Christians to continue to intercede for us.”

Pastor and wife kidnapped

Prayers were also requested for Pastor Paluku Katahiindwa Claude and his wife Katungu Vyahasa Esther (pictured), who were reported missing on May 15. They had gone to their farm to harvest but have not been seen since. A Bible belonging to the pastor was found on the road leading to the farm. They have nine children.

“Let us pray together that God will restore peace to the pastor couple,” says Pastor Kakule.

“We pray that God will bring the pastor and his wife back, in peace and alive, so that we can continue the work of the Lord. And again, our request is that all Christians in the world hold hands and pray together with us. May peace return to our communities. Let us pray that the servant of God will be free and may we rejoice when we see him among us.”

Devastation and displacement

“The speed with which the ADF continues to attack Christian communities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is appalling,” said Jo Newhouse*, Open Doors’ spokesperson for sub-Saharan Africa. “Christians have been forced to flee and some churches in affected villages have been closed as a result of the recent attacks.”

“These unabated attacks come at a time when Christian farmers are preparing for the harvest. The result is that many families are left with no means to feed their families, and the unprepared displacement is putting a strain on the livelihoods of Christian families who are now moving to unknown lands.

“We call on the international community to do everything in its power to ensure that the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo protects all affected communities in a conscientious and transparent manner and that the displaced people receive the support they need in these circumstances.”

*Name changed for security reasons