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In a horrifying event, 70 Christians were brutally beheaded by Islamist militants in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The attack was carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group linked to the Islamic State (ISIS), according to multiple terrorism and persecution monitoring groups, including Open Doors U.S.
The victims, all from the Lubero district, were forcefully taken from their homes in the early hours of February 13.
Horrified to learn about the 70 Christian martyrs beheaded by terrorists in a church in Kasanga, DRC.
Hungary stands in solidarity with the persecuted Christians BUT we need more
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Advertisement · Scroll to continue— Tristan Azbej ن (@tristan_azbej) February 19, 2025
Hostage Situation and Mass Execution
The militants rounded up the Christians and moved them to a small church in Kasanga village, a place once considered a sanctuary.
In a chilling act of violence, they were tied up and beheaded inside the church. Vianney Vitswamba, coordinator of a local community protection committee, confirmed the grim discovery, stating, “70 bodies were found tied up in the church.”
The ADF, which aims to establish an Islamic Caliphate in North-East DRC, has been accused of targeting Christians and imposing extreme religious practices on the local population, despite 95% of DRC’s population being Christian.
According to Open Doors UK, Christians in the region face severe persecution, abductions, and killings, leading to widespread insecurity and displacement.
International Reactions and Calls for Action
The incident has sparked global outrage. Tristan Azbej, Hungary’s State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians, condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with the victims.
However, the global media’s muted response to the incident has raised questions. American political commentator Liz Wheeler criticized mainstream media’s silence, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and action against Christian persecution.
Growing Threat of ADF and ISIS Affiliation
The ADF is known for its affiliation with ISIS and has been responsible for numerous attacks targeting Christians in Eastern DRC. The group operates with impunity, exploiting the region’s political instability.
John Samuel, Open Doors’ legal expert for sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the widespread human rights violations and called for accountability for the atrocities committed by the ADF.
The massacre in Kasanga village is a stark reminder of the growing threat of extremist violence in Central Africa. The international community is urged to recognize and act against the ongoing persecution of Christians in the DRC.
As the ADF continues its brutal campaign, global leaders must intervene to protect vulnerable communities and ensure justice for the victims of this horrific tragedy.
