A brutal attack on a Catholic church in eastern Congo has resulted in the deaths of at least 34 people. The assault occurred early on Sunday, March 10, 2024, when Islamic State-backed rebels stormed the church in the town of Komanda, located in Ituri Province. Local civil society leader, Dieudonne Duranthabo, reported the attack to The Associated Press, indicating that the violence began around 1 a.m.
In addition to the church, several nearby homes and shops were set ablaze during the assault. Duranthabo stated, “The bodies of the victims are still at the scene of the tragedy, and volunteers are preparing how to bury them in a mass grave that we are preparing in a compound of the Catholic church.” Disturbing video footage circulating online showed burning structures and lifeless bodies within the church, while shocked onlookers mourned the victims.
The violence extended beyond Komanda, with at least five additional fatalities reported from an earlier raid on the nearby village of Machongani. Civil society leader Lossa Dhekana informed the press that several individuals had been abducted and taken into the bush. “We do not know their destination or their number,” he added.
Both attacks are believed to have been executed by members of the Allied Democratic Forces, a group known for its violent tactics. Lt. Jules Ngongo, spokesperson for the Congolese army in Ituri, confirmed that at least 10 people were killed in the church attack. However, Radio Okapi, a U.N.-backed outlet, reported a higher death toll of 43, citing security sources.
Reports indicate that the attackers originated from a stronghold located approximately seven miles from Komanda and fled the scene before security forces could respond. In light of the escalating violence, Duranthabo has called for immediate military intervention, warning locals that “the enemy is still near our town.”
The situation remains tense as residents grapple with the aftermath of this devastating assault. The frequency of attacks by armed groups in eastern Congo has been a growing concern, prompting calls for increased security measures and international attention to the ongoing crisis in the region.
