Over 70 victims were discovered in a church after being taken hostage by the ADF in North Kivu, Congo. The victims, including women and children, were unable to survive a forced march by rebels. The region faces escalating violence from various armed groups, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
In North Kivu, over 70 bodies were found in a Protestant church following a massacre in the village of Maiba, as reported by local sources to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). The killings occurred between 12 and 15 February, when an Islamist militant group, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), took around 100 villagers hostage. On the 15th, the bodies, many bound and some beheaded, were discovered within the church, including women, children, and the elderly.
Sources indicate that the victims could not withstand the forced march imposed by the rebels. The ADF often uses hostages for labor or reinforcement in their operations. Those who fall behind or tire during their journey are typically left behind, which appears to have contributed to the tragic fate of these individuals.
The ADF has been terrorizing the region for over a decade and has recently increased its attacks, especially targeting remote villages. Local collaborators are suspected to assist the terrorists, exacerbating the already dire security situation for residents. The current violence in the region is compounded by conflicts involving another armed faction, M23, supported by Rwanda, causing significant humanitarian concerns.
The conflict with M23 has led to the displacement of approximately half a million civilians in North Kivu. With M23 threatening to seize more territory, including Butembo, local communities are on high alert. Anxiety permeates the area as residents fear imminent violent incursions.
In light of these circumstances, the local population seeks solace through prayer. One source emphasized, “Let us pray. Prayer is what keeps our hope alive amidst this situation we are living through.” This reflects the deep distress faced by communities during these turbulent times.
The tragic massacre of over 70 individuals in North Kivu underscores the terror inflicted by the ADF and the deteriorating security conditions in the region. Coupled with the escalating conflict from M23, the humanitarian crisis is intensifying. Local sources highlight the urgent need for both security and supportive interventions, while communities turn to prayer and hope amidst despair.
Original Source: zenit.org
