The Islamic State (IS) militant group on Monday claimed responsibility for a deadly attack in eastern Congo, where at least 43 worshippers were killed during a night mass at a church, according to a statement from a United Nations mission.
At dawn on Sunday, Islamic State-allied rebels stormed the church in Komanda, a village located around 75 kilometers from Ituri’s provincial capital Bunia, killing people with guns and machetes and taking captives.
Islamic State said on its Telegram channel that rebels had killed some 45 churchgoers and burned dozens of homes and shops in the region.
Christians Targeted
Jean Kato, an official in the city administration, said worshippers were taking part in a night mass when the rebels stormed the church in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Christophe Munyanderu, a human rights activist present at the scene in Komanda, said shots were heard overnight but people at first thought it was thieves.
“The rebels mainly attacked Christians who were spending the night in the Catholic church,” said Munyanderu.
“Unfortunately, these people were killed with machetes or bullets.”
Pope Leo Condoles Deaths
The United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DR Congo has condemned a recent resurgence in violence in the province where this attack happened.
The UN mission known as MONUSCO said at least 43 people had been killed, including 19 women and nine children, while condemning the attack carried out by the Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
The ADF originates in neighbouring Uganda, but is now based in mineral-rich eastern Congo. It mounts frequent attacks, further destabilising a region where many militant groups compete for influence and resources.
Pope Leo on Monday sent a message of condolences to the bereaved families and the Christian community who lost their relatives and friends in the assault, saying he would pray for them.
(With inputs from Reuters)
