Source: www.persecution.org
Date: November 27, 2023
DRC (International Christian Concern) — The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamic State affiliate located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), attacked a farming community in the North Kivu province on Friday, November 14.
Utilizing their signature style of violence, the group killed 14 farmers using machetes, brutally beheading them where they worked in their fields. Local media reported that the militants also burned down several houses in the village, saying, “This death toll could rise because other farmers are still missing.”
The ADF has terrorized the northeastern part of the DRC for decades following the Rwandan genocide. This group of rebels has evolved from militants escaping punishment for their actions in Rwanda to Islamic extremists intent on terminating the Christian population in the DRC, who make up 95.8% of the country’s population of 101.8m million people, according to the Pew Research Center.
With attacks occurring almost monthly, the people in the region live in fear, trying to honor God with their lives, knowing death could be right around the corner.
Multiple peace efforts have been made throughout the past decade, with joined efforts by the Ugandan government and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi. Despite these efforts, the ADF still conducts acts of mass violence. Due to the country’s weak infrastructure and lack of stability, it is difficult to produce an organized and consistent fight against the militants.
We continue to pray for those who face the wrath of the ADF in the DRC and Uganda. We thank God that he sees their pain and heals them in a way only he can. We pray that the Lord may use the testimonies of those who have lost loved ones to further his kingdom in the DRC. Finally, we pray for the persecutors that in the next attack, they would decide to spare the life of even one person and that their hearts would be softened to the love of Christ.
HOW TO PRAY: Pray for comfort and peace for those who lost loved ones. Pray for provision for those who have since fled their homes. Pray for healing for those who witnessed this brutal attack.