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In the early hours of Sunday, 27 July, militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) launched a brutal assault on a church in Komanda, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), killing at least 40 people. Many victims were children participating in a religious vigil organized by the Eucharistic Crusade.
Details of the Attack
According to reports from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the assault began around 01:00. ADF militants—aligned with the Islamic State—entered the church compound, opening fire and attacking worshippers with machetes. Several homes and shops in the area were also set ablaze before the attackers fled into nearby bushland.
Fr. Marcelo Oliveira, a long-serving Comboni missionary in the region, described the massacre as a targeted act of terror against vulnerable civilians. He emphasized the presence of many children among the dead, noting the spiritual context of the gathering.
Wider Context
The ADF, one of the most violent insurgent groups in eastern DRC, has committed numerous atrocities in recent years. In February 2025, approximately 70 people were killed during an attack on a Protestant church in Lubero. Additional incidents occurred in 2024 in North Kivu, targeting Christian communities.
The latest violence underscores the persistent insecurity that plagues eastern Congo, impeding development and subjecting civilians to relentless trauma.
International Reaction
The massacre has drawn condemnation from multiple international bodies, including the foreign ministry of Italy and the Bishops’ Conference of France. ACN has urged all stakeholders to prioritize the protection of civilians and sacred spaces, while calling on supporters to pray for peace in the DRC.
