Komanda: More than 40 people were killed in an attack by an Islamic State affiliate in north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the UN and the military. Most of the victims were worshippers participating in a night vigil at a church in the town of Komanda when they were attacked by fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Among those killed were nine children, as reported by the UN peacekeeping mission.
According to BBC, nearby shops and businesses were looted and set on fire during the attack. The UN peacekeeping mission, Monusco, reported that the attack claimed at least 43 lives, including 19 women, 15 men, and nine children. Vivian van de Perre, Monusco’s deputy chief, stated that the targeted attacks on defenseless civilians, particularly in places of worship, violate human rights standards and international humanitarian law.
The Congolese military reported that about 40 people were killed with machetes, and several others were seriously injured. The military claimed that the terrorists aimed to spread terror by attacking peaceful populations. Lt Jules Ngongo, the army spokesman in Ituri province, where the attack occurred, stated that the attack was intended to divert attention from their ongoing joint military operation with the Ugandan military against the militant group.
Ngongo affirmed that the army would continue to pursue the ADF “to their last stronghold” and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the defense and security forces. In 2021, DR Congo invited Ugandan troops to assist in tackling the ADF, though attacks persist.
Komanda is located in DR Congo’s mineral-rich Ituri province, an area that has been contested by various armed groups for many years. Last week, Monusco condemned a “resurgence of violence” this month, citing earlier ADF attacks on July 8-9, which resulted in 47 deaths.