The massacre of 70 Christians in a Protestant church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) exposes the urgent need for global intervention against extremist groups.
Quick Takes
- Seventy Christians were brutally executed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Kasanga, DRC.
- The attack highlights the persistent threat and terror caused by extremist Islamic groups in the region.
- Despite the severity, international media has paid little attention to these atrocities.
- There is a growing call for international action to protect civilians from such violence.
Massacre in the Heart of DRC
A militant group known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), linked to the Islamic State, executed 70 Christian villagers by beheading them inside a Protestant church in Kasanga, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This tragic event happened on February 13 as the ADF forced the hostages into the church, which had previously been abandoned due to security concerns in the region.
The church massacre is part of a broader pattern of attacks by the ADF, which remains active in the northeastern DRC. The violence has led to a significant displacement of surviving Christians, who fearfully wait to bury their dead. In the past month alone, 200 people have died due to ADF activities, underscoring the accumulating death toll attributed to these extremist factions.
Please pray the 70 Christians that were beheaded may rest in peace.
Please pray for the grieving families. pic.twitter.com/5gEHCXz3qF— James Blazsik (@BlazsikJames) February 21, 2025
International Call for Action
Amidst the mounting violence, global voices are demanding action. Open Doors condemned the violence and emphasized the necessity for civilian protections against groups like ADF. Although public officials remain largely silent, key figures like Tristan Azbej, Hungary’s State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians, have called for a global outcry and intervention in Christian persecution.
“Horrified to learn about the 70 Christian martyrs beheaded by terrorists in a church in Kasanga, DRC. Hungary stands in solidarity with the persecuted Christians, BUT we need more … the world needs to recognize and act against Christian persecution.” – Tristan Azbej
These violent acts are described as religious genocide, perpetuated by radical Islamic terrorists. Given the country’s Christian majority, such attacks resonate deeply within this community, which has been destabilized by the operations of various armed groups, including M23 and others capturing key cities.
Why isn’t the media talking about the 70 Christians that were just beheaded?https://t.co/16Dy1vOPpv
— Not the Bee (@Not_the_Bee) February 21, 2025
History of Conflict in the DRC
This recent massacre is part of a longstanding conflict in the DRC characterized by periodic violent outbreaks. The nation’s rich mineral deposits have exacerbated tensions, creating a battleground for power among militant groups. Over six million lives have been lost due to the persistent conflict in the region during the last two decades.
“This recent massacre, where 70 Christians lost their lives, is not an isolated incident but part of a grim tapestry of violence that has claimed over 6 million lives in the DRC over two decades of on-and-off war.” – Jeff King
The international community faces a pressing decision: to respond decisively and protect vulnerable populations or continue allowing extremist violence to flourish. As cries for help grow louder, the massacre in Kasanga should be a wake-up call that profound action is necessary.
Sources:
- Jihadists Behead 70 Christians in DR Congo Church
- 70 Christians Beheaded In Congo Church
- 70 Christians Beheaded in Church: What We Know
