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Seventy Christians Brutally Executed by ISIS-Linked Militants in Democratic Republic of Congo Amid Global Silence
JOHANNESBURG – On February 13, a horrifying act of violence unfolded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Islamist militants reportedly beheaded seventy Christians using machetes and large knives. Multiple groups dedicated to monitoring terrorism and the persecution of Christians have revealed these brutal details while lamenting the world’s indifference to this tragic event.
The victims, all from the Lubero district, were initially rounded up by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). This group is known for its affiliation with the Islamic State (ISIS), as reported by Open Doors U.S., an organization that tracks Christian persecution globally. Eyewitness accounts indicate that these Christians were forcibly expelled from their homes early in the morning, with militants shouting, ‘Get out, get out.’
After being taken hostage, the individuals were transported to a nearby Christian church in the village of Kasanga. In a shocking twist, this sanctuary, once viewed as a place of safety, became the site of unimaginable violence. According to various reports, they were bound before the militants executed them inside the church.
Vianney Vitswamba, a coordinator for a local community protection committee, was quoted by the Global Fight Against Terrorism Funding (GFATF). He stated, ‘Seventy bodies were discovered in the church. They were found tied up.’
In a distressing development, local Islamist militants allegedly restricted Christian leaders from burying the victims for as long as five days, further adding to the community’s pain and suffering.
Context of Persecution in the Region
Open Doors U.S. notes that approximately ninety-five percent of the DRC’s population identifies as Christian. However, the ADF continues to wage a violent campaign to establish an Islamic Caliphate in the northeastern region of the country. Analysts warn that this terrorist group aims to coerce the predominantly Christian community into adhering to extreme Islamic practices.
John Samuel, a legal expert for Open Doors focusing on sub-Saharan Africa, stated, ‘The violence takes place in a context of impunity, where almost no one is held accountable. This massacre clearly indicates widespread human rights violations against civilians and vulnerable communities, particularly those targeting Christians by the ADF.’
International Reactions
The international community’s reaction has been alarmingly muted. Tristan Azbej, Hungary’s State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians, expressed his horror on social media about the killings. He posted, ‘Horrified to learn about the seventy Christian martyrs beheaded by terrorists in a church… Hungary stands in solidarity with the persecuted Christians… the world needs to recognize and act against Christian persecution.’
Challenges Facing Christian Communities
Open Doors UK has highlighted the systemic violence and persecution faced by Christians in the DRC, with attacks largely attributed to the ADF. The group frequently targets Christians and assault churches, resulting in widespread terror, insecurity, and displacement among the local population.
Globally, and especially in Africa, Christians are increasingly facing persecution. A January 2025 report from Open Doors U.S. stated that more than 380 million Christians worldwide experienced discrimination and a high level of persecution due to their faith.
Local Community in Despair
Voices from within the community express deep despair over the ongoing violence. One elder from the local CECA20 church told reporters, ‘We don’t know what to do or how to pray; we’ve had enough of massacres. May God’s will alone be done.’
The Role of Media
Despite the shocking nature of this massacre, mainstream media coverage has been limited. American political commentator Liz Wheeler took to social media to draw attention to this perceived media silence. She posted, ‘Seventy Christian men, women & children were beheaded… because they’re Christian. Their decapitated bodies were left in a church… because they’re Christian. The terrorists who murdered them have ties to ISIS. MSM, where’s your outrage? Are you silent… because they’re Christian?’
Adding to the turmoil in the northeastern DRC, reports indicate that M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have invaded the region’s second-largest city of Bukavu. This group has already taken control of Goma, a major city near the Rwanda border.
Invisible Atrocities Demand Attention
The brutal killings of these seventy Christians signify a grave reality for many religious minorities in conflict zones around the world. In the face of such atrocities, international awareness and action are crucial for protecting vulnerable communities. The silence surrounding these incidents must be broken, and a global commitment to defending religious freedom and human rights must be reaffirmed.
Only by amplifying these voices and shedding light on these injustices can hope for change emerge, encouraging peaceful coexistence and greater understanding among diverse communities in the DRC and beyond.
