Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels armed with machetes and firearms have carried out a brutal assault at a funeral in eastern Congo, resulting in the deaths of at least 61 civilians, officials confirmed on Tuesday. This attack, orchestrated by the group linked to the Islamic State known as Islamic State — Central Africa Province (ISCAP), is among the deadliest incidents in recent months.
The militants claimed responsibility for the attack on Monday, asserting that they had targeted nearly 100 Christians, as reported by the U.S.-based SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist activities. According to the SITE report, approximately 30 houses were set ablaze during the assault on the funeral gathering in Ntoyo village in the North Kivu region of Congo.
Local administrator Macaire Sivikunula stated that the toll of the victims had reached 61 individuals. He described how the victims were ambushed during a mourning ceremony in Ntoyo village around 9 p.m., with many losing their lives to machete strikes.
Later on Tuesday, authorities informed Reuters that another suspected ADF attack in a separate village had resulted in 18 fatalities. The ADF, originating as a rebel group in Uganda but now based in the forests of Congo, has been recognized by the Islamic State as an affiliate.
The recent surge of ADF-claimed attacks has heightened insecurity in eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals where the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels made significant advancements this year, prompting intervention attempts by the U.S. President. Last month, over 50 civilians fell victim to ADF attacks, while a church assault in July led to 38 fatalities.
Col. Alain Kiwewa, the military administrator for Lubero, warned that the death toll from Monday night’s attack could increase due to missing persons. The assailants not only used machetes but also shot some victims and set vehicles on fire, as reported by Samuel Kagheni, a local civil society leader.
Resident Alain Kahindo Kinama recounted the arrival of Congolese soldiers at the scene on Tuesday morning, with many locals attempting to flee the area. Meanwhile, Congolese army spokesperson Lt. Marc Elongo mentioned that the ADF militants had already carried out the massacre before the soldiers could intervene.
Recent weeks have seen heightened military operations by the Congolese army and its ally Uganda against the ADF in an effort to curb their activities.