Seventy Christians reportedly beheaded by ISIS affiliate in Democratic Republic of Congo
The recent massacre of 70 Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has shocked the world, yet the response has been mostly silent. The Christians were beheaded by Islamist militants from the Allied Democratic Forces, a group affiliated with ISIS, in the Lubero district. The victims were forced out of their homes and taken hostage, before being tied up and beheaded inside a church in the village of Kasanga.
Local community protection committee coordinator Vianney Vitswamba described the gruesome scene, stating that 70 bodies were discovered in the church, all tied up. The ADF militants have been targeting the majority-Christian community in an attempt to establish an Islamic Caliphate in the region. The violence and human rights violations against civilians, particularly targeting Christians, have raised concerns about accountability and impunity in the DRC.
Despite the severity of the massacre, media coverage has been minimal, prompting criticism from political commentators and human rights advocates. The lack of outrage and attention to the persecution of Christians in Africa is concerning, as the region continues to face increasing violence and displacement. Open Doors UK highlighted the severe persecution faced by Christians in the DRC, particularly in the eastern region where ADF attacks are prevalent.
The global community has been called upon to recognize and act against Christian persecution, with Hungary’s State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians expressing solidarity with the victims. The tragic events in the DRC serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Christians worldwide, with over 380 million individuals experiencing persecution and discrimination due to their faith.
As the world grapples with the silence surrounding the massacre and the broader issue of Christian persecution, local communities in the DRC are left in despair. The elder of a local church expressed the collective sense of helplessness and called for prayers in the face of continued violence. The situation in the DRC remains volatile, with reports of M23 rebels entering major cities and causing further unrest in the region.
In the midst of tragedy and turmoil, it is imperative that the international community stands in solidarity with persecuted Christians and works towards addressing the root causes of violence and discrimination. The memory of the 70 Christians beheaded in the DRC must serve as a catalyst for action and advocacy on behalf of all those who face persecution for their faith.
