Christians Targeted by Islamic Terrorists
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Christians Targeted by Islamic Terrorists

A church building is surrounded by tall trees.
A church in the DR Congo.
Photo: Wikimedia / Ralph Malan (CC)

Islamic militants in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) claim to have killed more than 80 Christians during several recent armed assaults in the northeastern region of the country. The deadliest incident, which took place on May 5th, is believed to have claimed the lives of an estimated 60 believers, whom the attackers referred to as "Christian combatants."

The Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) uses the term "combatants" to describe Christians who refuse to convert to Islam or accept the status of dhimmi – a condition of subjugation in which non-Muslims are permitted to live under Islamic rule in exchange for the payment of what is known as jizya tax.

A statement from the aggressors declared, "Let the worshippers of the cross know that they have no security except by submitting willingly or paying the jizya in humiliation." ISCAP claims to have killed nearly 1,000 Christians in northeastern DRC since December 2024.

Despite being one of the world's wealthiest nations in terms of natural resources, the DRC remains marked by widespread poverty. This contrast has drawn the attention of external forces that are seeking control over the nation and its wealth, thus contributing to ongoing instability. Notably, the country is also one of the most predominantly Christian nations in Africa. For additional reports concerning the life-threatening dangers encountered by followers of Jesus in this Central African nation, go to our country profile.

  • Pray that God's comforting presence will be sensed in tangible ways by those who have lost loved ones, and that His healing ministry would restore the health and emotional well-being of all who were physically harmed and/or traumatized during these recent attacks.
  • May those of our Congolese brothers and sisters in Christ who were displaced receive safe shelter, compassionate support and divine guidance as they now navigate their way to new hope-filled beginnings in the aftermath of the violence.
  • In general, ask the Lord to mightily intervene throughout this war-torn nation, so that His peace and justice will prevail and communities would be protected from further attacks – resulting in lasting harmony and stability for all.
  • Country Information

    Population
    111,859,928 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    More than 200 ethnic groups of which the majority are Bantu

    Religion (%)
    Christian (93.1), Kimbanguist (2.8), Muslim (1.3) other (1.2), none (1.3) (2014 est.)

    Leader
    President Felix Tshisekedi (2019)

    Government type
    Semi-presidential republic

    Legal system
    Civil law based on Belgian law along with customary and tribal law.

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for DRC

    Pray for protection for Christians in DRC facing violence in the midst of a war-torn nation. Remember the pastors and members of churches destroyed by militant Islamic groups. Remember all those who have been displaced due to violence.(Acts 20:24). Ask God to encourage them to keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith, and not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 10:32-39; Hebrews 12:1-3).

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DR Congo News

  • Christians Targeted by Islamic Terrorists
    A church building is surrounded by tall trees.
    A church in the DR Congo.
    Photo: Wikimedia / Ralph Malan (CC)

    Islamic militants in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) claim to have killed more than 80 Christians during several recent armed assaults in the northeastern region of the country. The deadliest incident, which took place on May 5th, is believed to have claimed the lives of an estimated 60 believers, whom the attackers referred to as "Christian combatants."

    Read more...

  • Multitudes Killed While Attending Funeral Wake
    An open grave with many deceased individuals is surrounded by a large group of people.
    Mourners gather for a mass burial.
    Photo: Open Doors US

    On the night of September 8th, Christians who had gathered at a funeral home in Ntoyo, a village in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), were brutally attacked by militants armed with guns and machetes. The assault resulted in the fatalities of numerous believers, the kidnapping of many surviving victims, and the burning of 16 homes.

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  • Dozens Killed in Church Attack
    A church building is surrounded by palm trees.
    A church in the DR Congo
    Photo: Pixnio / Brian W.J. Mahy

    During the early hours of Sunday, July 27th, more than 40 Christians were killed when Islamic militants attacked a church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The worshippers had gathered for a late-night prayer meeting at their church in Komanda, a town located in the province of Ituri, when members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) suddenly entered the building and began to shoot those who were present. In addition to attacking the church, the militants set fire to several houses and shops in the community. Reports also indicate that at least 20 children were taken hostage during the raid.

    Read more...

  • Church Attacks Result in Fatalities and Kidnappings
    A group of Christians are praying together.
    Photo: Wikimedia / Steve Evans (cc)

    Members of the Eglise Message du Temps church are calling for "fervent prayer" after being struck by an attack on January 30th. The church is located within the community of Baeti in the northeastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The attackers have been identified as members of a militant group associated with ISIS.

    Read more...

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