Churches overwhelmed by extremist onslaught

Violence and terror carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) are once again shaking communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Please continue to pray for the church and all those affected in the nation.

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have once again struck vulnerable communities in the Ituri and North Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  

The most recent wave of attacks began on 5 May when ADF militants stormed multiple communities and killed at least 20 farmers.  

The ADF is an extremist group operating in the DRC that pledged its allegiance to so-called Islamic State (IS) a few years ago. It has also been referred to as Islamic State’s Central Africa Province (ISCAP), being known to have carried out violence in Mozambique also. 

The following days saw the killings of a further 40 individuals, according to the Ituri civil society group. Presently, it is unclear how many of these were Christians. What is clear, however, is the ruthlessness of such violence – many of the attacks took place in broad daylight and continued through to 13 May, leaving another 22 dead. Since March, more than 130 people have been killed and 20 villages targeted, according to Radio Okapi. 

Displaced and broken 

Reverend Paluku leads a church in Oicha, North Kivu where one assault unfolded. In the days that followed the attacks, he attended several burial ceremonies. 

“The suffering was visible on every face. The town was in mourning,” he describes. “They were members from the Baptist Church, Catholic, Adventist and other churches. It was painful. Let us pray that God heals the broken hearts.” 

Pastor Jean-Pierre leads another church in Oicha. He shared, “The situation is chaotic. Farmers are dead; the body of Christ is wounded. We ask God to strengthen His church because nothing seems to work.” 

Not only are people grieving – many have fled their homes for fear of the next attack.  

“Christians have fled towards Butembo and Beni,” says Pastor Mumbere. “The Sunday service on 10 May was attended by only 42 believers, whereas we normally gather 136. The ADF attacks are affecting the faith of Christians on every level. Please pray for the faith of the church in this situation.” 

Ripple effects 

As well as sudden attacks on communities, the ADF has imposed a tax of 30,000 Congolese francs (£9.80, or four days’ work at minimum wage) on workers for using what they claim to be their farmland. At the end of April, a farmer was shot dead for refusing to pay. Such demands have been placed on farmers before, with reports of imposed taxes in April 2025. 

The increasing pressure and fear of attacks are causing a ripple effect across communities in the Ituri and North Kivu provinces. Not only are livelihoods being impacted by the insecurity, but some schools and health centres have been forced to close, and many children are out of school because of the precarious situation. Amongst them, 40% of final year students in the Djugu territory of Ituri have been unable to take preliminary tests for their state exams. 

Christians in churches and missionary schools being especially targeted by the ADF feel the almost overwhelming weight of the violence they have endured. 

“Our hearts are broken,” a church leader told a local partner. “The ADF killings are out of control.” 

Stand in prayer 

Calls continue for the government to increase its efforts against the onslaught by the ADF. Amnesty International has condemned the ADF for ‘mass war crimes and crimes against humanity’, as well as being responsible for ‘multiple cases of murder, abductions, forced labour and marriage, sexual abuse of women and girls and the exploitation of children.’ 

“We are dismayed to learn of the latest ADF attacks on Christians and other vulnerable communities in eastern DRC,” says Jo Newhouse*, Open Doors spokesperson for work in sub-Saharan Africa. “It is unacceptable that these attacks on civilians are allowed to continue without any restraint. Open Doors strongly condemns these ongoing acts of violence against believers and calls upon the government with its international partners to urgently prioritise civilian protection in eastern DRC where the IS-affiliated ADF has been allowed to wreak havoc for far too long. 

“We ask the body of Christ to keep the church in eastern DRC in prayer.” Newhouse continues. “Pray for God’s comfort, His provision to the displaced and for His Spirit to give them strength to stand firm amidst these targeted attacks.” 

*Name changed for security reasons