Published on: 14 March 2023
DOHI NEWS
Photo by Aurélien Faux on Unsplash
Local authorities in eastern Congo confirmed the slaying of at least 45 people in several attacks across multiple villages by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militia group with links to ISIS. Soon after this announcement, on Friday, March 10, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) issued a statement via Aamaq News Agency claiming responsibility in the brutal killing of “Christians” and the destruction of their homes in Mukondi village, North Kivu province.
According to Congolese officials, over 120 groups have been vying for control of eastern Congo over the past several decades. ADF is one of these groups that has been active in North Kivu province and has recently extended its fighting into Ituri province and Goma.
Journalists from AP News have come forward claiming that they witnessed bodies being placed in a mass grave in Mukondi where over 30 individuals were slain by machetes, knives and gunshots.
According to a report published by the U.N. back in December of 2022, Congo’s army has not been able to purge the area of ADF, nor weaken their power. ADF is accused by human rights groups of maiming, raping and abducting men, women and children.
