The ongoing violent campaign by the M23 rebel faction, supported by Rwanda, has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. In addition, other armed groups competing for control in this mineral-rich region are also committing serious crimes.
One of the most recent and alarming incidents occurred in a village near Lubero, North Kivu, where over 70 bodies were recently discovered inside a Protestant church. This was confirmed by the international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) and the Fides Catholic news agency.
A local informant, who wished to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation, revealed last week that the attack was carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). This organization, linked to the Islamic State, originated in Uganda and has been operating in both Uganda and the DRC for over ten years.
The assailants specifically targeted women, children, and the elderly, who were allegedly taken hostage before being brutally murdered. Some victims were restrained, while others suffered beheadings, indicating that this massacre was intended to instill terror and assert dominance over the local population.
The ADF is recognized for its brutal methods, which frequently include abducting individuals and compelling them to join the group as support or to assist with labor for their military objectives. The source suggests a strong likelihood that the 70 victims lost their lives because they were unable to maintain the pace of the forced march.
