Komanda massacre

The Komanda massacre occurred on 27 July 2025, when ISIL-affiliated Allied Democratic Force (ADF-Buluku) rebels attacked the Saint Anuarite Catholic church in Komanda, Zunguluka district, Irumu territory in central Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).^[1][2] The attack occurred in the middle of night, during which ADF rebels targeted a night vigil.^[3][4] Between 43-50 Congolese civilians were killed, with credible estimates listing 43 deaths, including 19 women, 15 men, and nine children.^{[1][2][5][6][7][8]}

The motive for the attack is ultimately unclear, but is believed to stem from retaliatory efforts in response to the escalated bombing campaign led by Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) in their joint Operation Shujaa.^[9][10] Lt. Jules Ngongo, the Congolese army's spokesman for the Ituri province believed the attack was intended to divert attention from the increased efforts of the army.^[3] Onesphore Sematumba, a Congo analyst at the International Crisis Group, instead argued that “these joint operations have only succeeded in dispersing the ADF without really protecting civilians from their wrathful reprisals" and believes that "the ADF is taking more or less the advantage of the Congolese army’s and international diplomacy’s focus on the M23 further south without attracting too much attention.”^[11]

The Saint Anuarite church reportedly sent a request in June 2025 to local authorities for protection from possible attacks during church activities.^[12] Local forces did not act on the request and neither MONUSCO, the FARDC, nor those local authorities intervened during the attack.^[12] The United States Embassy located in Kinshasa reportedly warned of terrorist attacks in places of worship on 20 July.

The Saint Anuarite church (French: Paroisse Bienheureuse Anuarite de Komanda) was holding a night vigil for its 25th anniversary prior to the attack where some 100 individuals were present.^[13][12] Some in attendance were preparing for their confirmation.^[8]

It is believed that the particular rebels perpetrating the massacre travelled from a stronghold 12 kilometers from Komanda.^[11] The attack began around 1:00am UTC+2 between the night of 26 July and morning of 27 July, when ADF forces stormed the church.^[14] After rounding up dozens of churchgoers, rebels executed all individuals with machetes and light firearms.^[12][3] Others present at the vigil were able to escape into the surrounding forest and some have gone missing according to a local chaplain and other witnesses.^[15][5]

Following the massacre within the church, rebels proceeded to burn stores and homes.^[6] Individuals were found to have been burned inside.^[13][16] Several children between the ages of 12 and 14 were kidnapped.^[17][6] All rebels were able to escape prior to the arrival of defense forces.^[11]

The ISIL-aligned ADF-Baluku faction would claim credit for the attack later on July 28 through Telegram.^[2]

Around 30,000 individuals in the Ituri province have been displaced or are fleeing in response to the attack and other regional instability, primarily attributed to ADF and Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) attacks.^[5][18]

Pope Leo XIV expressed "deep sorrow" regarding the attack on the churchgoers of the Saint Anuarite Catholic church.^[19][17] He prayed for the victims during his weekly Wednesday audience in St. Peter’s Square, during which he stated the following in his appeal:^[19]

I renew my deep sorrow for the brutal terrorist attack that occurred during the night between 26 and 27 July in Komanda, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where over 40 Christians were killed in a church during a prayer vigil, and in their own homes. As I entrust the victims to God’s loving Mercy, I pray for the wounded and for Christians around the world who continue to suffer violence and persecution. I urge those with local and international responsibility, to work together in order to prevent such tragedies.^[20]

Other religious organizations have echoed the pope's comments. The Episcopal Conference of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (CENCO) called the attack an "odious massacre."^[19] The World Council of Churches (WCC) called it "a tragic and unacceptable act of violence against innocent worshippers gathered in prayer."^[21]

The FARDC and MONUSCO have both denounced the attack.^{[1][2][22][7]}

The FARDC and UPDF increased military presence in the Komanda center to track down rebels.^[23] In a press release, MONUSCO pledged to provide aid to local authorities with burials and medical aid, which was realized.^[1][7] It also stated that it has "intensified its security efforts in and around Komanda by increasing the frequency of patrols in the area."^[7] The FARDC, Congolese National Police, and MONUSCO all participated in these patrols.^[23] On 29 July, joint security forces were fired at by suspected Patriotic and Integrationist Force of Congo (FPIC) militia fighters in the Baiti neighborhood which was condemned by local authorities and youth representatives alike.^[23]

Locals conducted mass burials with the aid of MONUSCO-provided excavator.^[10][16]

According to Radio Okapi, Jacques Anayeyi, president of the Irumu Territorial Youth Council, "welcomed these security efforts but deplored the political exploitation of the situation" and "accused certain political actors of manipulating a section of the youth to fuel hostility against MONUSCO, thus endangering security cohesion. 'Some politicians are taking advantage of the situation to stir up rejection of MONUSCO,' he said."^[23]