Islamic State-linked terrorists are carrying out a relentless wave of massacres against Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 1,100 believers reportedly killed since late 2024 as the violence spirals out of control.
The attacks, concentrated in the eastern regions of North Kivu and Ituri, are being carried out by the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), also known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamist terror group operating in the region after pledging allegiance to ISIS in 2017.
Despite the staggering death toll and growing humanitarian catastrophe, the massacres have received little international attention.
Christians Executed, Burned Alive, and Beheaded
According to multiple reports, Islamist fighters killed 57 Christians in the Beni region during a single week ending June 2, 2026.
On May 31, ISCAP terrorists slaughtered 16 Christians in the village of Mayangose. One day earlier, 10 believers from the same village were reportedly captured and executed.
In another attack, ADF militants targeted Christians in Beni’s Ngadi neighborhood, trapping members of the Pygmy Twa ethnic community before opening fire and killing at least seven people.
The violence has escalated dramatically throughout 2026.
In February, approximately 70 civilians in a Christian village in North Kivu were reportedly executed, including women, children, and elderly residents. Many victims were allegedly beheaded.
On Maundy Thursday during Holy Week, Islamist terrorists massacred up to 60 Christians in Bafwakoa village after residents reportedly refused demands to convert to Islam or submit to Islamic rule.
Some victims were burned alive inside their homes while others were executed with machetes.
Thousands were displaced in the aftermath.
Terror Group Imposes “Convert or Die” Ultimatums
Reports indicate ISCAP presents Christian communities with a chilling three-part ultimatum:
Convert to Islam, accept “dhimmi” subjugation under Islamic rule, or die.
The group reportedly uses historic Islamic concepts involving the jizya tax and legal subordination of non-Muslims as justification for its campaign.
Christians who resist are labeled “Christian combatants” in ISIS propaganda, allowing the terror organization to portray civilian massacres as legitimate military operations.
The violence has been described by human rights groups as crimes against humanity.
More Than 6,500 Christians Killed Since 2017
ISCAP has reportedly claimed responsibility for killing more than 6,500 people since formally aligning with the Islamic State nearly a decade ago.
Independent researchers recorded at least 967 civilian killings linked to ISCAP in 2025 alone.
The Democratic Republic of Congo remains overwhelmingly Christian, with the U.S. State Department estimating more than 95% of the country’s 124 million citizens identify as Christians.
Yet Open Doors ranked the DRC among the world’s worst countries for Christian persecution in 2025.
The organization documented sharp increases in killings, church attacks, kidnappings, and mass displacement of Christian communities.
Humanitarian Crisis Continues to Grow
The violence has contributed to one of the world’s largest displacement crises.
According to the United Nations, more than 7.3 million people are internally displaced across eastern Congo.
Human rights organizations have documented widespread atrocities including child recruitment, forced labor, abductions, sexual violence, and mass executions.
Amnesty International stated the abuses amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“These abuses constitute war crimes which the world must not continue to ignore,” Amnesty International Secretary General Agnès Callamard warned earlier this year.
Despite international condemnations, the attacks continue with no clear end in sight.
Prophetic Context
The persecution of Christians around the world was foretold in Scripture.
“Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” — Matthew 24:9 (NASB 1995)
The Bible also warns of growing violence, lawlessness, and hatred in the last days.
“Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” — Matthew 24:12 (NASB 1995)
As believers across Africa face horrific persecution, Christians worldwide are called to pray, remain vigilant, and support suffering brothers and sisters in Christ.
Strategic Implications
The continued rise of Islamic State-linked terrorism in Central Africa highlights the expanding global footprint of jihadist movements beyond the Middle East.
The instability in eastern Congo threatens regional security, critical mineral supply chains, humanitarian operations, and millions of civilians caught between terrorist groups and weak state control.
With little international intervention and multiple armed factions operating across the region, eastern Congo risks becoming one of the world’s largest long-term terror sanctuaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is carrying out the attacks in Congo?
The attacks are primarily being carried out by the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), also known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
How many Christians have reportedly been killed?
Reports indicate more than 1,100 Christians have been killed since late 2024, with over 6,500 deaths attributed to the group since 2017.
Where are the attacks happening?
Most attacks are occurring in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, especially in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
What is “dhimmi” status?
Historically, dhimmi status referred to non-Muslims living under Islamic rule while paying special taxes and accepting legal subordination.
How many people are displaced in eastern Congo?
The United Nations estimates more than 7.3 million people are internally displaced across eastern Congo.
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