For years, people in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been terrorized by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) through killings, kidnappings, and attacks on innocent people — most of whom are Christians. 

Amid this ongoing tragedy came a moment of hope: 29 people, including Christians who had been held hostage by the ADF, were rescued in late October following joint military operations by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the Ugandan army (UPDF) in Ituri province. 

“We are happy to inform the community that, after nearly a month in captivity in the bush, several survivors are gradually reuniting with their families thanks to the joint work done by the FARDC and the UPDF,” an official from Ituri said. “However, many are still struggling with the physical and psychological trauma caused by the situation at the hands of the terrorists.”

Behind these rescues are many stories of suffering. Some of the hostages were abducted while working in their fields. They described extreme conditions in the forests of Biakato, Alimbako, and surrounding areas. The hostages were tied up, robbed, and forced to move from one camp to another. Some reportedly spent nearly a month in the bush, suffering from hunger and living under constant threats from their captors. 

“We were in the fields harvesting cassava when the ADF suddenly appeared,” a survivor from Biakato recalled. “They tied us up, took our motorcycles, and brought us into the bush where we suffered seriously. We slept on the ground and were moved from one camp to another for nearly a month. Sometimes we were given only bananas or a small quantity of food. We lived under constant threats; many of us died in different circumstances, from hunger, mistreatment, illness, and slaughter.”  

Hostage Care

According to a military official, the 29 hostages rescued during the joint operations along the Nduye-Dingbo road will receive assistance to return to their communities. Authorities say they are making arrangements to ensure their safe return to their families and that they will not be abandoned. 

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious movements and individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities. 

“As authorities, working alongside the defense and security forces, we will do everything possible to rescue people from the hands of criminals and the ADF Islamic group, urging communities to report anyone suspected of supporting armed militants,” the official said. 

For local Christians in Ituri, the release of the 29 hostages has brought joy and hope after weeks of fear and suffering; families are grateful to have their loved ones back, but the pain and trauma remain. Many still fear further ADF attacks and pray for lasting peace, protection, and the safe return of those who remain missing or in captivity. 

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