Members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacked communities three times in just a few days in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), killing more than 20 people.

From July 14 to 16, the ADF raided the primarily Christian commune of Mangina twice. Mangina Mayor Nicolas Kambale said the assailants were “wielding knives and firearms” and were set on killing villagers and destroying their houses.

During the first raid, six people were killed — including a church elder and a worship leader. Another six people were injured. Several houses were burned, and one person is still missing.

Shortly after the attack, the ADF invaded the community a second time, killing another 10 people before the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) fought them off.

The ADF often attacks Eastern DRC. Victims have said that the Islamic extremist group is intentionally trying to erase Christianity from the region.

Despite the ongoing atrocities and the ever-present fear that they generate, Christians in the area continue to stand firm in their faith. One pastor who successfully sheltered 10 Christians in his home during the raids urged Christians to pray fervently for their community.

“Fear is increasing,” the pastor told Open Doors. “Brothers and sisters, please intercede for the safety of the rural commune of Mangina and for the strengthening of the faith of Christians.”

Open Doors ranks the DRC as the 29th most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian. ADF targets Christian communities and persecutes them through massacres, abductions, and the destruction of churches and houses.

Story by Bella Agnello

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