Update: violence intensifying in the DRC

Violence caused by extremists is worsening in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Please pray for our brothers and sisters amid this crisis.

Recent weeks have seen an alarming intensification of violence in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In mid-March, tens of thousands were displaced by attacks carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and the situation has only deteriorated. 

Over 28 and 29 March, the ADF attacked several villages and kidnapped over 300 individuals, most of them farmers. Several people have been reported dead, according to local sources, whilst villagers’ property was raided and damaged by the attackers. Many have been forced to flee because of the violence. 

After a few days’ respite, fresh attacks erupted in Bafwakowa village – militants destroyed homes, dispersed families and killed over 40 people. A church leader in the nearby village of Nia-Nia says, “We have just welcomed Christians from villages along the Mambasa–Nia-Nia route after the ADF killed several Christians in the village of Bafwakowa. We are with them in the church.” 

Faced with the threat of invasion, some Christians from Nia-Nia have also fled for refuge elsewhere. 

A priority issue 

Several authority figures have spoken out against the increasing aggression perpetrated by the ADF. Amongst them is Dieudonné Lossa, coordinator of the Ituri Civil Society, who states, “Enough is enough. The Congolese government must treat the ADF issue as a priority.” 

The vice president of the Ituri Provincial Civil Society Coordination, Maître Ezadri Jean Marie, has reported a rising death toll, which has reached at least 50 people after the assault on Bafwakowa village. “The Congolese government must prioritise the issue of ADF terrorists and the M23 rebellion and take immediate action on warnings from the population – villages are being emptied of their inhabitants,” he echoes. 

Because of the increasing assaults on towns, tensions are burgeoning between citizens and governmental forces – the population is decrying the authorities’ failure to adequately ensure their safety, whilst the military administration of Ituri province has called for trust in the national army to bring about security. 

Sombre Sunday 

Last Sunday (5 April) marked Easter Sunday, a day of joy to remember Jesus’ victory over death. But many churches in the Ituri province were filled not with believers, but with sombre silence. Speaking just after the attacks, Reverend Philemono* of a local Baptist church said, “I don’t know if the congregation will come to the service. This Saturday (4 April), no choir members came to rehearsal, and yet this Sunday is a great celebration for all Christians around the world.” 

The service was as he feared – depleted in number and heavy with the weight of the attacks. “We celebrated with believers who came from other villages and some who remained in Nia-Nia. We usually have at least 250 worshippers every Sunday, but this Easter Sunday we didn’t even reach 150,” he explains. “Brothers and sisters, pray for the faith of Christians in the Christian villages of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Truly, let us pray for our faith; we are living out the message of Matthew 24.” 

*Name changed for security reasons

Please pray 

• For comfort for the bereaved and encouragement for the displaced 

• That hostages will be granted freedom and know God’s hand at work in their plights 

• That the Lord would bless authorities with wisdom and courage to ensure the safety of their citizens, and for peace for all His people in the DRC. 

31 March 2026

Lives taken, thousands displaced – please pray for the DRC

In mid-March, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked the villages of Muchacha and Babesua in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The terrorist group has taken the lives of numerous believers since the start of 2026 and claimed responsibility for the latest attacks.  

In the assaults, which took place on Wednesday 11 and Monday 16 March, 50 people were killed and more than 31,600 inhabitants forced to flee their homes. In the wake of the militants, only destruction and empty churches remain. 

“A massive exodus” 

Overnight on 11 March, ADF members stormed Muchacha village, a community located in an area known for its gold mines. 

“These extremists killed people, looted a great deal of valuables, and took several people hostage. A massive exodus of the population has been recorded, and we have seen footage of them [the ADF] claiming responsibility for the attack,” Dieudonne Lossa, coordinator of the Ituri Civil Society Organisation, reported during a telephone interview. 

Because of the violence, Muchacha and its neighbouring villages have been totally deserted. 

“On Sunday 15 March, there was no activity in the churches; some were heading towards Nia-Nia, others towards Bafwasende,” says Reverend Kitika, leader of one of the churches in the area. He explains that the ADF also set fire to homes, transport and camps at a mining site before taking several people hostage – including Kitika’s own son.  

“My son was working in the mine. When the ADF fighters arrived, he was taken hostage along with the others. There, the kidnappers forced the hostages to wash the sand for three days so that they could extract gold,” he says. But they were interrupted. “God is wonderful. The loyalist forces attacked the kidnappers, and while everyone was scattered, my son managed to escape. We give thanks to God for this miracle.” 

Children awaiting their parents 

On the following Monday, 16 March, the ADF moved on to Babesua, a village 12km away from another called Badengaido where they murdered another ten people. They also set fire to houses and took valuables. Just earlier on in the year, a provincial forum was held between government officials, military representatives and church leaders to discuss the worsening insecurity caused by the ADF. 

The two attacks have further displaced the population that has been fragmented by repeated assaults. Because of such fragmentation, pressure is mounting on local churches and believers who are seeking to support those fleeing persecution. 

One home that has opened its doors is that of Reverend Kitika, who has taken in some of the displaced children. “They came from Mangurejipa in North Kivu after the [radical] Islamists attacked their village; yet here we are with them again here,” he says. “These children left Badengaido on foot. They found a vehicle on the road that brought them here, where the church is providing them with accommodation. Their parents are still on their way. Let us pray that they arrive safely.” 

Stand with them 

The DRC government has emphasised its determination to continue efforts against terrorist groups until state authority is fully restored in affected regions.  

In these times of seemingly incessant violence in sub-Saharan Africa, the voice of the global church – your voice – is essential in calling for justice and restoration for those suffering intense persecution. Reverend Kitika asks for your prayers, saying, “As the body of Christ, we ask for the prayers of brothers and sisters across the world for the strengthening of the church and the return of peace, so that we may continue to spread the good news of Jesus Christ in all the villages.”