Islamist terrorists have claimed the killing of more than 80 Christians in several armed assaults in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In the deadliest attack, an estimated 60 “Christian combatants” were killed by fighters from Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) in a 5 May attack in Beni Territory on the border of North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
In recent months, Islamic State propaganda has used the word “combatants” to describe Christians who have refused to accept either conversion to Islam or dhimmi status as subjugated people. In classical Islam, those who accept such a status must pay the jizya tax to their Islamic conquerors.
An Islamic State attack on a Christian community in Ituri in 2021. Islamic State Central Africa Province have killed more than 6,000 Christians in north-eastern D. R. Congo since 2017
A statement published on Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh) social media channels declared, “Let the worshippers of the cross know that they have no security except by submitting willingly or paying the jizya in humiliation.”
Two days later a further 15 Christians were killed in a third attack in Beni, followed on Sunday 10 May by the murder of nine and the abduction of six others in the village of Makumu, Ituri.
Read more: Meet hate with hope by helping victims of violent persecution
A recent report highlighted the “extensive brutality” carried out by ISCAP (formerly known as the Allied Democratic Forces or ADF), including mass killings, forced labour, torture, abuse and sexual violence.
ISCAP has claimed the killing of nearly 1,000 Christians in north-eastern DRC since their long-running campaign of violence escalated in December 2024.
Up to 60 believers were killed in Mambasa Territory, Ituri, on 1 April after rejecting what ISCAP called a “generous offer”.
How you can pray
Earnestly seek the Lord on behalf of the suffering and persecuted Christians of north-eastern D. R. Congo. Ask that the bereaved will be comforted, the injured healed and the destitute provided for. Pray that those being held by the terrorists will be rescued from their captors. Pray also that the enemies of our brothers and sisters will be turned back as His people cry out for help (Psalm 56:9).
