In a brutal act of violence that underscores the severe religious persecution ongoing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Islamist militants have beheaded 70 Christians, a horrific spectacle that has gone largely unnoticed by the global community. Multiple organizations monitoring terrorism and religious freedom have reported on this atrocity, shedding light on a critical issue affecting Christians in the region.

The Atrocities Committed

The victims were members of the local Christian community in the Lubero district. On February 13, militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), known to have ties to ISIS, executed a raid on their homes. Eyewitness accounts reveal that the attackers ordered the beleaguered residents to leave their homes, shouting, “Get out, get out.”

Following this terrifying ultimatum, the captured Christians were forcibly taken to a small church in the village of Kasanga—a location that should serve as a sanctuary but instead became the site of unimaginable horror. Reports indicate that the militants restrained the victims within the church and subsequently beheaded them, leaving 70 bodies behind in a chilling representation of their extremist ideology.

Community Impact and Response

Local reports from Vianney Vitswamba, a community protection coordinator, reveal that the bodies were discovered tied up inside the church. In an even more grotesque display of brutality, militants prevented Christian leaders from burying the victims for five days, compounding the grief and horror for the local community.

The DRC is predominantly Christian, with around 95% of the population identifying as such. However, the ADF has established a presence in northeastern regions and aims to impose a strict interpretation of Islam in their quest to create a caliphate. This extremist agenda raises alarming questions about the safety and rights of Christians living in these areas.

John Samuel, a legal expert for Open Doors in sub-Saharan Africa, stated, “The violence takes place in a context of impunity, where almost no one is held accountable. This massacre is a clear indicator of widespread human rights violations against civilians and vulnerable communities, often targeting Christians, perpetrated by the ADF—a terrorist group linked to ISIS.”

International Condemnation and Support

The international community expressed outrage following news of the massacre. Hungary’s State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians, Tristan Azbej, took to social media to voice his condemnation, stating, “Horrified to learn about the 70 Christian martyrs beheaded by terrorists in a church… Hungary stands in solidarity with persecuted Christians. The world needs to recognize and act against Christian persecution.”

In a similar vein, Open Doors UK has continually highlighted the dangers faced by Christians in the DRC. In their recent statements, they noted that violence against Christians is rampant and primarily perpetrated by Islamist groups like the ADF, which abduct and kill members of the Christian community while attacking churches and spreading displacement and fear.

The Rising Tide of Christian Persecution

Christian persecution is not only confined to the DRC; it is a growing global concern. Open Doors U.S. reported in its January 2025 analysis that approximately 380 million Christians experienced a high level of persecution worldwide due to their faith. This statistic is a stark reminder of the precarious position of Christians in numerous regions, particularly in Africa.

Local leaders in the DRC expressed their despair following the brutal killings, with one leader from the CECA20 church stating, “We don’t know what to do or how to pray; we’ve had enough of massacres. May God’s will alone be done.” Such sentiments encapsulate the fear and hopelessness pervading the community in the wake of these unspeakable acts.

Call for Awareness and Action

The media’s response to this atrocity has been muted, prompting criticisms from various quarters. Political commentator Liz Wheeler raised her voice on social media, questioning the silence surrounding the incident: “70 Christian men, women & children were beheaded … because they’re Christian. Their decapitated bodies were left in a church … because they’re Christian. The terrorists who murdered them have ties to ISIS. MSM, where’s your outrage? Are you silent … because they’re Christian?”

This poignant inquiry highlights a disturbing trend in media coverage of religious persecution, particularly that which affects Christian communities in conflict zones. The need for global awareness and action is pressing, as highlighted by various advocacy groups urging for a robust response to these heinous acts.

Geopolitical Context: The DRC’s Turmoil

Amidst the backdrop of ongoing violence, the northeastern DRC faces additional challenges. Recently, M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have been advancing towards significant cities like Bukavu, exacerbating the instability in the region. This multifaceted crisis encompasses not only religious persecution but also broader geopolitical struggles, often intertwining local and international interests.