{{Short description|2025 rebel attack in the DR Congo}} {{Infobox civilian attack | title = Komanda massacre | location = Komanda, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo | date = 27 July 2025 | partof = the Kivu conflict and the ADF insurgency | map = {{Location map|Democratic Republic of the Congo |AlternativeMap = Democratic Republic of the Congo (26 provinces) - Ituri.svg |width = 300 |alt = Komanda is a town located within the Ituri province. |label = Komanda |mark = |marksize = 9 |lat_deg = 1.366699 |lon_deg = 29.763132 }} | mapframe-zoom = 13 | map_caption = Location of Komanda within the Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo | native_name = Massacre de Komanda, Mauaji ya Komanda | native_name_lang = fr-CD | coordinates = {{Coord|1|21|44.31|N|29|46|38.58|E|type:landmark|display=inline,title}} | time = ~01:00 a.m. CAT | timezone = UTC+02:00 | target = Saint Anuarite Catholic church and the town of Komanda | type = Mass murder, mass shooting, massacre | weapons = Light arms, machetes | fatalities = 43-50 civilians (including 19 women, 15 men, and 9 children) | injuries = 13 civilians | victims = 12-14 missing<br/>Thousands displaced | perpetrator = {{Tree list}} *{{flagicon image|AQMI Flag asymmetric.svg}} Islamic State **{{flagicon image|AQMI Flag asymmetric.svg}} IS-CAP *** {{flagicon image|Flag of the Allied Democratic Forces.svg}} ADF-Baluku {{Tree list/end}} }}{{Campaignbox Conflicts in Congo}} The '''Komanda massacre''' (French: '''''Massacre de Komanda''''', Swahili: '''''Mauaji ya Komanda''''') occurred on 27 July 2025, when Islamic State-affiliated (IS) Allied Democratic Forces (ADF-Baluku) rebels attacked the Saint Anuarite Catholic church in Komanda, Zunguluka district, Irumu territory in central Ituri province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-28 |title=UN condemns deadly attack on worshippers in DR Congo {{!}} UN News |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1165511 |access-date=2025-07-29 |website=news.un.org |language=en |archive-date=2025-07-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250728201557/https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1165511 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=ISIL claims responsibility for deadly church attack in eastern DR Congo |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/28/isil-claims-responsibility-for-deadly-church-attack-in-eastern-dr-congo |access-date=2025-07-29 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=2025-07-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729000044/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/28/isil-claims-responsibility-for-deadly-church-attack-in-eastern-dr-congo |url-status=live }}</ref> The attack occurred in the middle of the night, during which ADF rebels targeted a night vigil.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-28 |title=ADF in DR Congo: IS-linked rebels accused of killing Christian worshippers in Komanda |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3ezjg34lw4o |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB |archive-date=2025-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730201149/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3ezjg34lw4o |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=commsmanager |date=2025-07-28 |title=Nearly 40 Christians Killed in ADF Attack in Komanda, DRC |url=https://www.persecution.org/2025/07/28/nearly-40-christians-killed-in-adf-attack-in-komanda-drc/ |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=International Christian Concern |language=en-US |archive-date=2025-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730124019/https://www.persecution.org/2025/07/28/nearly-40-christians-killed-in-adf-attack-in-komanda-drc/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite news |date=6 August 2025 |title=DR Congo: Armed Group Massacres Dozens in Church |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/08/06/dr-congo-armed-group-massacres-dozens-in-church |access-date=27 February 2026 |work=Human Rights Watch}}</ref> Between 43-50 Congolese civilians were killed, with credible estimates listing 43 deaths, including 19 women, 15 men, and nine children.{{efn|Some initial reports claimed higher death counts including the ''United Nations''<ref name=":02" /> and ''Prensa Latina''.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-30 |title=DRC: Around 30,000 displaced after ADF attack - Prensa Latina |url=https://www.plenglish.com/news/2025/07/30/drc-around-30000-displaced-after-adf-attack/,%20https://www.plenglish.com/news/2025/07/30/drc-around-30000-displaced-after-adf-attack/ |access-date=2025-07-31 |language=en-US}}</ref> Others reported the correct number of deaths including ''Al Jazeera'',<ref name=":12" /> ''Reuters'',<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=2025-07-29 |title=Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on east Congo church |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-attack-east-congo-church-2025-07-28/ |access-date=2025-07-31 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> MONUSCO,<ref name=":5">{{Cite press release |publisher=MONUSCO |date=27 July 2025 |title=MONUSCO condemns the ADF armed group's attack that claimed the lives of 43 civilians in Komanda and intensifies protection efforts in Ituri |url=https://monusco.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/pr_monusco_condemns_the_adf_armed_groups_attack_that_claimed_the_lives_of_43_civilians_in_komanda_and_intensifies_protection_efforts_in_itur.pdf |access-date=31 July 2025 |location=Kinshasa |archive-date=29 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729052944/https://monusco.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/pr_monusco_condemns_the_adf_armed_groups_attack_that_claimed_the_lives_of_43_civilians_in_komanda_and_intensifies_protection_efforts_in_itur.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> ''TRT World'',<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |title= ADF rebels kill at least three people in eastern DRC, days after deadly attack on church |url= https://trt.global/afrika-english/article/26ef3d45a554 |access-date= 2025-08-03 |website= TRT World |language= en |archive-date= 2025-08-03 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250803143139/https://trt.global/afrika-english/article/26ef3d45a554 |url-status= live }}</ref> a later ''United Nations'' release,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Violence Outpacing Diplomacy in Democratic Republic of Congo, United Nations Senior Official Warns amid Surge in Civilian Deaths {{!}} Meetings Coverage and Press Releases |url=https://press.un.org/en/2025/sc16152.doc.htm |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=press.un.org |archive-date=2025-08-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250824043311/https://press.un.org/en/2025/sc16152.doc.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and ACLED.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-04 |title=Africa Overview: August 2025 {{!}} ACLED |url=https://acleddata.com/update/africa-overview-august-2025 |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=acleddata.com |language=en}}</ref>}}
The attack drew significant domestic and international attention, including statements coming from Pope Leo XIV, the Episcopal Conference of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (CENCO), the United Nation's (UN) peacekeeping force in the DRC (MONUSCO), the UN Security Council (UNSC), and others. The DRC's armed forces (FARDC) and MONUSCO were rapidly deployed to the town to maintain security, aid in burying deceased victims of the attacks, and provide medical support.
== Background == {{Allied Democratic Forces attacks background 2025}}
=== Motives and premonitions of violence === July was a particularly bloody month for killings at the hands of ADF militants. Prior to the massacre, 30 incidents of violence were recorded around Komanda, 15 of which were claimed by the ADF.<ref name="drc:3">{{Cite news |date=1 August 2025 |title=Est de la RDC: une pression accrue des ADF/MTM autour de Komanda? |trans-title=Eastern DRC: increased pressure from ADF/MTM around Komanda? |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20250801-est-de-la-rdc-une-pression-accrue-des-adf-mtm-autour-de-komanda |access-date=28 February 2026 |work=Radio France Internationale |language=fr}}</ref> Earlier in the month, the ADF had perpetrated the killings of 82 or more civilians throughout Ituri and North Kivu.<ref name=":24">{{Cite web |last=Fatima Khan |first=Aamnah |date=1 August 2025 |title=Massacre at Komanda: ADF Church Attack Sparks Global Condemnation and Human Rights Outcry |url=https://www.humanrightsresearch.org/post/massacre-at-komanda-adf-church-attack-sparks-global-condemnation-and-human-rights-outcry |access-date=28 February 2026 |website=Human Rights Research Center}}</ref> In response, UPDF forces of Operation Shujaa executed a bombing pressure campaign in the forests of Mambasa and along the axis towards Komanda.<ref name="drc:3" />
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 the joint forces of Operation Shujaa.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-12 |title=Islamic State-aligned rebels kill 66 civilians in eastern Congo |url=https://apnews.com/article/allied-democratic-forces-congo-attack-irumu-ituri-657034df1abab3f76c1951ad575cf654 |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=2025-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730201154/https://apnews.com/article/allied-democratic-forces-congo-attack-irumu-ituri-657034df1abab3f76c1951ad575cf654 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Kakule |first=Job |date=2025-07-28 |title=Ituri : Enterrement collectif de 24 victimes parmi les 38 civils tués par les ADF à Komanda |url=https://www.grandslacsnews.com/posts/ituri-enterrement-collectif-de-24-victimes-parmi-les-38-civils-tues-par-les-adf-a-komanda-9947 |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=www.grandslacsnews.com |language=fr |archive-date=2025-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730181423/https://grandslacsnews.com/posts/ituri-enterrement-collectif-de-24-victimes-parmi-les-38-civils-tues-par-les-adf-a-komanda-9947 |url-status=live}}</ref> Lieutenant 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.<ref name=":2" /> 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.”<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-28 |title=An attack on a Congolese church killed nearly 40 worshippers. Here's what to know |url=https://apnews.com/article/congo-church-attack-adf-ituri-islamic-state-812cb43f7b2c875a7523e7beec9cd4ba |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=2025-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731043937/https://apnews.com/article/congo-church-attack-adf-ituri-islamic-state-812cb43f7b2c875a7523e7beec9cd4ba |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Saint Anuarite church (French: ''Paroisse Bienheureuse Anuarite de Komanda'', Swahili: ''Heri Anuarite Parokia ya Komanda''), a parish of the Catholic Church, reportedly sent a request in June 2025 to local authorities for protection from possible attacks during church activities.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Hannah |date=2025-07-28 |title=Congo Church Mourns Nearly 50 Deaths After Terror Attack |url=https://decisionmagazine.com/congo-church-mourns-over-40-deaths-after-terror-attack/ |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=Decision Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=2025-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730085127/https://decisionmagazine.com/congo-church-mourns-over-40-deaths-after-terror-attack/ |url-status=live }}</ref> MONUSCO itself published a press release days before the massacre, on 23 July, condemning the resurgence of ADF attacks.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=MONUSCO strongly condemns the resurgence of violence in Djugu Territory and deadly ADF attacks in Ituri and North Kivu |date=23 July 2025 |publisher=United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo |location=Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo |url=https://binuh.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/2025-12/pr_monusco_strongly_condemns_the_resurgence_of_violence_in_djugu_territory_and_deadly_adf_attacks_in_ituri_and_nk_23_july_2025.pdf |access-date=27 February 2026}}</ref> Similarly, the United States Embassy located in Kinshasa specifically warned of terrorist attacks in places of worship on 20 July.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kinshasa |first=U. S. Embassy |date=2025-07-20 |title=Security Alert: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo |url=https://cd.usembassy.gov/security-alert-kinshasa-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-4/ |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=U.S. Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo |language=en-US |archive-date=2025-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722124119/https://cd.usembassy.gov/security-alert-kinshasa-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-4/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite these warnings, local forces did not act on the church's request and neither MONUSCO, the FARDC, nor those local authorities intervened during the attack.<ref name=":8" />
== Massacre == The Saint Anuarite church was holding a night vigil for its 25th anniversary prior to the attack where some 100 individuals were present.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-06 |title=DR Congo: Armed Group Massacres Dozens in Church {{!}} Human Rights Watch |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/08/06/dr-congo-armed-group-massacres-dozens-in-church |access-date=2025-08-27 |language=en |archive-date=2025-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250817112327/https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/08/06/dr-congo-armed-group-massacres-dozens-in-church |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite news|date=27 July 2025|title=Dozens Are Killed by ISIS-Linked Rebels at a Church in Congo|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/27/world/africa/congo-isis-attack.html|access-date=25 February 2026|language=en|last=Jammeh|first=Saikou|work=The New York Times|last2=Makangara|first2=Justin|publication-place=Dakar, Senegal and Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo|url-access=subscription|archive-date=31 October 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251031191848/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/27/world/africa/congo-isis-attack.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Some in attendance were preparing for their confirmation.<ref name=":0" /> Individuals were present at the church multiple days prior to the attack.<ref name=":14" />
{{Mapframe |frame=yes |frame-align=left |frame-width=300 |frame-height=300 |type=point |marker=religious-christian |name=Saint Anuarite church of Komanda |coord={{coord|1.362308|N|29.777383|E}} |type2=point |marker2=mountain |name2=Mount Hoto |coord2={{coord|1.245820|N|29.819840|E}} |frame-lat=1.362|frame-long=29.772 |zoom=SWITCH:13,10 |switch=Komanda town, relative to Mount Hoyo |text=Location of the Saint Anuarite church on the eastern side of the town of Komanda and Mount Hoyo }} It is believed that the rebel cell perpetrating the massacre travelled from a stronghold located in Mount Hoyo, a mountain located southeast of Komanda; the stronghold's position was estimated to be approximately 12 kilometers from Komanda.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":15" /> The directionality of the attack likely indicated that it was led by Commander Seka Umaru, Musa Baluku's second-in-command.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-04 |title=Africa Overview: August 2025 {{!}} ACLED |url=https://acleddata.com/update/africa-overview-august-2025 |access-date=2025-08-28 |website=acleddata.com |language=en}}</ref> The attack began around 1:00 a.m. local time between the night of 26 July and morning of 27 July, when ADF forces stormed the church.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-07-27 |title=Islamic state-backed rebels kill 38 in attack on east Congo church |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/islamic-state-backed-rebels-kill-38-attack-east-congo-church-2025-07-27/ |access-date=2025-07-31 |work=Reuters |language=en |archive-date=2025-07-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727135552/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/islamic-state-backed-rebels-kill-38-attack-east-congo-church-2025-07-27/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After rounding up dozens of churchgoers, rebels executed 20 individuals with machetes and others with light firearms.{{Efn|Experts Caleb Weiss & Ryan O'Farrell, writing for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' ''Long War Journal'' reported, however, that 40 individuals were killed within the church.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weiss |first=Caleb |last2=O'Farrell |first2=Ryan |date=12 December 2025 |title=Analysis: The Islamic State’s war on Christians in Congo |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2025/12/analysis-the-islamic-states-war-on-christians-in-congo.php |url-status=live |access-date=25 February 2026 |website=Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Long War Journal |archive-date=10 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260210171702/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2025/12/analysis-the-islamic-states-war-on-christians-in-congo.php }}</ref>}}<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":15">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-27 |title=Carnage en Ituri : une attaque des ADF fait 43 morts et d'importants dégâts à Komanda |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2025/07/27/actualite/securite/carnage-en-ituri-une-attaque-des-adf-fait-43-morts-et-dimportants |access-date=2025-08-27 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr |archive-date=2025-08-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250816170141/https://www.radiookapi.net/2025/07/27/actualite/securite/carnage-en-ituri-une-attaque-des-adf-fait-43-morts-et-dimportants |url-status=live }}</ref> However, others present at the vigil were able to escape into the surrounding forest, between twelve and fourteen of which went missing according to a local chaplain and other witnesses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=commsmanager |date=2025-07-28 |title=Nearly 40 Christians Killed in ADF Attack in Komanda, DRC |url=https://www.persecution.org/2025/07/28/nearly-40-christians-killed-in-adf-attack-in-komanda-drc/ |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=International Christian Concern |language=en-US |archive-date=2025-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730124019/https://www.persecution.org/2025/07/28/nearly-40-christians-killed-in-adf-attack-in-komanda-drc/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Minh Hào Nguyen |first=William |date=29 July 2025 |title=Attaque contre une église en RD-Congo : en Ituri, le projet de terreur du groupe islamiste ADF |trans-title=Attack on a church in DR Congo: in Ituri, the terror project of the Islamist group ADF |url=https://www.la-croix.com/religion/attaque-contre-une-eglise-en-rd-congo-en-ituri-le-projet-de-terreur-du-groupe-islamiste-adf-20250729 |url-access=subscription |access-date=28 February 2026 |website=La Croix |language=fr}}</ref> One survivor from inside the church told Human Rights Watch (HRW):<blockquote>They told us to sit down, and then started hitting people [with blunt instruments] on the back of the neck. They killed two people I didn’t know, and that’s when I decided to flee with four others...We managed to run away – they shot at us but didn’t hit us.<ref name=":14" /></blockquote>Following the massacre within the church, rebels proceeded to burn stores and homes,<ref name=":4" /> particularly near the {{Interlanguage link|Congo General Savings Bank|fr|Caisse générale d'épargne du Congo}} (CADECO), which the Irumu civil society said caused "enormous damage."<ref name=":17">{{Cite news |last=Upar |first=Freddy |date=27 July 2025 |title=RDC: au moins 30 civils dont des chrétiens tués dans une attaque des ADF à Komanda en Ituri |trans-title=DRC: at least 30 civilians including Christians killed in an ADF attack in Komanda in Ituri |url=https://actualite.cd/2025/07/27/rdc-au-moins-30-civils-dont-des-chretiens-tues-dans-une-attaque-des-adf-komanda-en-ituri |access-date=25 February 2026 |work=Actualité.cd |location=Bunia, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo |language=fr-CD |archive-date=14 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814130813/https://actualite.cd/2025/07/27/rdc-au-moins-30-civils-dont-des-chretiens-tues-dans-une-attaque-des-adf-komanda-en-ituri |url-status=live }}</ref> Some victims were found to have been burned inside vehicles and buildings.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-28 |title=Scores killed in DR Congo attack on Catholic Church - Vatican News |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2025-07/drc-attack-catholic-church-islamist-extremists.html |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=www.vaticannews.va |language=en}}</ref> One man was found charred inside of his truck, which the ADF had set ablaze.<ref name=":15" /> A total of five individuals were killed in the attack on Komanda town generally.<ref name=":22" /> In addition, several children between the ages of 12 and 14 were kidnapped.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Lawal |first=Shola |title=Is ISIL a growing threat in the DR Congo and East Africa? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/30/is-isil-a-growing-threat-in-the-dr-congo-and-east-africa |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=2025-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731021110/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/30/is-isil-a-growing-threat-in-the-dr-congo-and-east-africa |url-status=live }}</ref> Since then, some of those kidnapped have managed to escape.<ref name=":22" />
The alarm about the attack was raised around 2:00 a.m.,<ref name=":15" /> however, all ADF rebels were able to escape prior to the arrival of security forces.<ref name=":7" /> It was later reported that network issues slowed the alarm's sounding and response time.<ref name=":14" />
== Reactions and response == The IS-aligned ADF-Baluku faction would claim credit for the attack later on July 28 through Telegram.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":23">{{Cite news |date=29 July 2025 |title=Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on east Congo church |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-attack-east-congo-church-2025-07-28/ |access-date=27 February 2026 |work=Reuters}}</ref> They specifically claimed that 45 churchgoers were killed in the attack, in addition to touting having burned shops and homes within the town of Komanda.<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":23" />
The region in the Komanda vicinity had been in relative peace months prior to the massacre, with many displaced civilians having returned.<ref name=":15" /> The day after the attack, however, virtually all daily activity in Komanda ceased once again,<ref name=":15" /> followed by an exodus of thousands of its residents joining other internally displaced persons (IDPs) fleeing from the nearby neighborhoods considered vulnerable including Base, Zunguluka, Umoja, and Ngombenyama.<ref name=":25">{{Cite news |date=28 July 2025 |title=Africa/DR Congo - Massacre in a church in Komanda. Survivors flee |url=https://fides.org/en/news/76648-AFRICA_DR_CONGO_Massacre_in_a_church_in_Komanda_Survivors_flee |access-date=28 February 2026 |work=Agenzia Fides}}</ref> They joined the 20,000 to 30,000 individuals in Ituri had been displaced or were fleeing in response to the attack and other regional instability, primarily attributed to ADF and Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO) attacks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-26 |title=Ituri : la MONUSCO renforce sa présence dans les zones affectées par les violences des groupes armés CODECO et Zaïre |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2025/07/26/actualite/securite/ituri-la-monusco-renforce-sa-presence-dans-les-zones-affectees-par-les |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr |archive-date=2025-08-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802213627/https://www.radiookapi.net/2025/07/26/actualite/securite/ituri-la-monusco-renforce-sa-presence-dans-les-zones-affectees-par-les |url-status=live }}</ref> These IDPs were predominantly headed towards the cities of Kisangani and Bunia.<ref name=":25" />
=== Domestic === The opposition candidate, Moïse Katumbi of the Together for the Republic party, responded to the Komanda massacre in a Twitter post, criticizing the "total absence of Kinshasa's power in the area under its control, particularly in the eastern part of the Republic." He cited illicit and self-interested motivations as cause for the government's poor response.<ref name=":18">{{Cite news |last=Lukombo |first=Samyr |date=29 July 2025 |title=Plus de 40 civils tués à Komanda : « le sang a trop coulé dans l’indifférence totale du régime de Kinshasa » (Moïse Katumbi) |trans-title=More than 40 civilians killed in Komanda: "too much blood has been shed in the total indifference of the Kinshasa regime" (Moïse Katumbi) |url=https://actualite.cd/2025/07/29/plus-de-40-civils-tues-komanda-le-sang-trop-coule-dans-lindifference-totale-du-regime-de |access-date=27 February 2026 |work=Actualité.cd |language=fr-CD |archive-date=13 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260113051516/https://actualite.cd/2025/07/29/plus-de-40-civils-tues-komanda-le-sang-trop-coule-dans-lindifference-totale-du-regime-de |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Religious institutions === Pope Leo XIV stated on 28 July 2025: "may the blood of these martyrs become a seed of peace, reconciliation, fraternity, and love for the Congolese people." President of the CENCO, archbishop Marcel Utembi Tapa, received the Pope's comments from Cardinal Pietro Parolin via Telegram, reading: "His Holiness Pope Leo XIV learned with dismay and deep sorrow of the attack perpetrated against the Parish of Blessed Anuarite in Komanda, which caused the death of several faithful gathered for worship."<ref name=":19">{{Cite news |date=28 July 2026 |title=RDC : le Pape Léon XIV consterné par l’attaque des islamistes ADF contre une paroisse catholique à Komanda faisant plus de 40 morts |trans-title=DRC: Pope Leo XIV dismayed by the attack by ADF Islamists against a Catholic parish in Komanda leaving more than 40 dead |url=https://actualite.cd/2025/07/28/rdc-le-pape-leon-xiv-consterne-par-lattaque-des-islamistes-adf-contre-une-paroisse |access-date=27 February 2026 |work=Actualité.cd |language=fr-CD |archive-date=29 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729124322/https://actualite.cd/2025/07/28/rdc-le-pape-leon-xiv-consterne-par-lattaque-des-islamistes-adf-contre-une-paroisse |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":20" /> According to ''Vatican News'', "the Pope also extended his Apostolic Blessing to the Parish of Blessed Anuarite, to the grieving families, the faithful of the DRC, and the entire nation, offering comfort amid their anguish."<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-28 |title=Pope: May blood of ‘martyrs’ in DRC church attack become seed of peace - Vatican News |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-07/pope-leo-telegram-parolin-attack-catholic-church-drc-komanda.html |access-date=2025-09-23 |website=Vatican News |language=en |archive-date=2025-08-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814202005/https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-07/pope-leo-telegram-parolin-attack-catholic-church-drc-komanda.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Pope later again expressed "deep sorrow" regarding the attack on the churchgoers of the Saint Anuarite Catholic church.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":19" /><ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-30 |title=Pope Leo expresses 'deep sorrow' over deadly attack on church in DR Congo |url=https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2025/07/pope-leo-expresses-deep-sorrow-over-deadly-attack-on-church-in-dr-congo/ |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=Crux |language=en |archive-date=2025-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731003607/https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2025/07/pope-leo-expresses-deep-sorrow-over-deadly-attack-on-church-in-dr-congo |url-status=live }}</ref> He prayed for the victims during his weekly Wednesday audience in St. Peter’s Square, during which he stated the following in his appeal:<ref name=":13" /><blockquote>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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=General Audience of 30 July 2025 {{!}} LEO XIV |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/audiences/2025/documents/20250730-udienza-generale.html |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=www.vatican.va |archive-date=2025-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731050948/https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/audiences/2025/documents/20250730-udienza-generale.html |url-status=live }}</ref></blockquote>Other religious organizations have echoed the pope's comments. The CENCO called the attack an "odious massacre,"<ref name=":13" /> in addition to expressing concern over security forces' failure to identify the ADF militants in the Mount Hoyo stronghold prior to the massacre. Especially with the area being under what it called a "siege," CENCO argued this may have factored into the massacre being successfully carried out.<ref name=":18" /> The World Council of Churches (WCC) called it "a tragic and unacceptable act of violence against innocent worshippers gathered in prayer."<ref>{{Cite web |title=WCC Statement Condemning Attack on Catholic Church in Komanda, Democratic Republic of Congo {{!}} World Council of Churches |url=https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/documents/wcc-statement-condemning-attack-on-catholic-church-in-komanda-democratic-republic-of-congo |access-date=2025-07-31 |website=www.oikoumene.org |language=en |archive-date=2025-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731012648/https://oikoumene.org/resources/documents/wcc-statement-condemning-attack-on-catholic-church-in-komanda-democratic-republic-of-congo |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Military and intergovernmental organizations === The FARDC and MONUSCO both denounced the attack.<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":12" /><ref>{{Cite press release |date=2025-07-27 |title= MONUSCO condemns the ADF armed group's attack that claimed the lives of 43 civilians in Komanda and intensifies protection efforts in Ituri |url=http://monusco.unmissions.org/en/pr-monusco-condemns-adf-armed-groups-attack-claimed-lives-43-civilians-komanda-and-intensifies |access-date=2025-07-31 |work=MONUSCO |language=en}}</ref> The UN jointly supported MONUSCO's condemnation which expressed a "deep outrage at these heinous acts of violence, which constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and infringements on human rights."<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-19 |title=DR Congo: UN deplores deadly attacks in the east of the country {{!}} UN News |url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/08/1165686 |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=news.un.org |language=en |archive-date=2025-09-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911131958/https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/08/1165686 |url-status=live }}</ref> The UNSC released a press release on 7 August 2025, issued by Council President Eloy Alfaro de Alba, "expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and wished a swift recovery to those injured."<ref>{{UN document|body=Security Council|type=Press Release|document_number=SC/16139|title=Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Democratic Republic of Congo|date=7 August 2025}}</ref>
The FARDC and UPDF increased military presence in the Komanda center to track down rebels in their joint Operation Shujaa efforts.<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-30 |title=Patrouilles militaires renforcées à Komanda après l'attaque des ADF |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2025/07/30/actualite/securite/patrouilles-militaires-renforcees-komanda-apres-lattaque-des-adf |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr |archive-date=2025-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730181741/https://www.radiookapi.net/2025/07/30/actualite/securite/patrouilles-militaires-renforcees-komanda-apres-lattaque-des-adf |url-status=live }}</ref> Congolese forces were reportedly deployed three kilometers and MONUSCO one kilometer south of the church.<ref name=":14" /> In a press release, MONUSCO pledged to provide aid to local authorities with burials and medical aid,<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":5" /> which they followed through with;<ref name=":21">{{Cite news |last=Muamba |first=Clément |date=28 July 2025 |title=RDC: le bilan de l’attaque des ADF à Komanda s’élève à 43 civils tués dont des chrétiens catholiques, la Monusco se dit “indignée” face à ces actes de violence |trans-title=DRC: the death toll from the ADF attack in Komanda stands at 43 civilians killed, including Catholic Christians, MONUSCO says it is “outraged” by these acts of violence |url=https://actualite.cd/2025/07/28/rdc-le-bilan-de-lattaque-des-adf-komanda-seleve-43-civils-tues-dont-des-chretiens |access-date=27 February 2026 |work=Actualité.cd |language=fr-CD |archive-date=28 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250728063609/https://actualite.cd/2025/07/28/rdc-le-bilan-de-lattaque-des-adf-komanda-seleve-43-civils-tues-dont-des-chretiens |url-status=live }}</ref> locals conducted mass burials with the aid of MONUSCO-provided excavator.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":10" /> It also stated that it has "intensified its security efforts in and around Komanda by increasing the frequency of patrols in the area."<ref name=":5" /> The FARDC, local Congolese National Police (PNC), and MONUSCO all participated in these patrols.<ref name=":1" /> 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.<ref name=":1" /> The pressure pushed ADF militants near Komanda towards the neighboring territory of Mambasa, which joint Operation Shujaa forces agreed to extend their operations into.<ref name=":17" />
A public information officer within the MONUSCO rapid deployable battalion based in Komanda told ''Human Rights Watch'' (HRW) that "the ADF is known to employ silent killer tactics, striking swiftly, organized and unpredictable. In this case, the attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, targeting a religious gathering attended by a large number of civilians' and that MONUSCO had taken steps to 'intensify protection efforts in the area.'" A military source within the FARDC told HRW that a "military justice instigation" had been opened and that further troops were deployed in the region for civilian security.<ref name=":22" />
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."<ref name=":1" />
=== International === Numerous international governments expressed their condolences. France's foreign ministry expressed condolence to victims' families, solidarity with the Congolese government, and called for militants to lay down their arms.<ref name=":16">{{Cite news |last=Muamba |first=Clément |date=28 July 2025 |title=Ituri : la France condamne avec la plus "grande fermeté" l’attaque des ADF à Komanda et exprime sa solidarité au gouvernement congolais |trans-title=Ituri: France condemns in the "greatest firmness" the ADF attack in Komanda and expresses its solidarity with the Congolese government |url=https://actualite.cd/2025/07/28/ituri-la-france-condamne-avec-la-plus-grande-fermete-lattaque-des-adf-komanda-et-exprime |access-date=25 February 2026 |work=Actualité.cd |language=fr-CD |archive-date=28 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250728231307/https://actualite.cd/2025/07/28/ituri-la-france-condamne-avec-la-plus-grande-fermete-lattaque-des-adf-komanda-et-exprime |url-status=live }}</ref> Belgium's prime minister, Maxime Prévot, condemned the violence and called for militants to lay down their arms.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Muamba |first=Clément |date=29 July 2025 |title=La Belgique s’alarme face à la recrudescence des violences en Ituri en l'occurrence les tueries de plus de 40 civils par les ADF à Komanda |trans-title=Belgium is alarmed by the increase in violence in Ituri, in this case the killings of more than 40 civilians by the ADF in Komanda |url=https://actualite.cd/2025/07/29/la-belgique-salarme-face-la-recrudescence-des-violences-en-ituri-en-loccurrence-les |access-date=27 February 2026 |work=Actualité.cd |language=fr-CD |archive-date=15 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250815220813/https://actualite.cd/2025/07/29/la-belgique-salarme-face-la-recrudescence-des-violences-en-ituri-en-loccurrence-les |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Human Rights organizations === Human Rights Watch encouraged the FARDC and MONUSCO to "urgently" complete its investigation and publish its findings. Furthermore, it argued that the military organization should reestablish trust with civilians to receive notice of militant activities and other protection needs. It underscored the need to have quicker response times and to find and hold ADF militants accountable. Citing Operation Shujaa not curbing violence in North Kivu and Ituri, HRW called for the African Union (AU) and UNSC to build a "credible strategy to address the deepening security crisis and grave rights abuses." It extended a similar recommendation to President of the DRC, Félix Tshisekedi, specifically through "tighter military oversight" to avoid further atrocities as the government "has a duty to protect civilians and ensure justice for victims of these repeated atrocities."<ref name=":22" />
The US-based ''Human Rights Research Center'' (HRRC) also condemned the attack, calling it "barbaric" and a "blatant violation of international humanitarian law" which required accountability and further security guarantees.<ref name=":24" />
== Analysis ==
=== Targeting of Christians and community involvement === The US-based Middle East Media Research Institute cited the Komanda massacre, and particularly the imagery of the slaughter of Christian civilians released by the ADF, to argue that a "silent genocide" was occurring against Christians in central and southern Africa.{{Efn|The MEMRI report published to ''Fox News'' was contributed to by the ''Associated Press''.}}<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wallace |first=Danielle |date=7 August 2025 |title=ISIS soldiers behead Christians in Mozambique, burning church and homes: 'Silent genocide' |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/isis-soldiers-behead-christians-mozambique-burning-church-homes-silent-genocide |access-date=25 February 2026 |work=Fox News |archive-date=18 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218082507/https://www.foxnews.com/world/isis-soldiers-behead-christians-mozambique-burning-church-homes-silent-genocide |url-status=live }}</ref>
Reagan Miviri, a researcher at Ebuteli, argued that the ADF militant's visible preparedness when entering the village raised questions about whether local complicity was present prior to the massacre.<ref name="drc:3" />
=== Shortcomings of Operation Shujaa === The widespread international response to the massacre again drew into question the effectiveness of Operation Shujaa, which according to a report by a UN Group of Experts did not respond adequately to the active, violent ADF cells in northwest Lubero. In spite of US sanctions against the ADF being in place since 2014, the UN Group and other human rights organizations furthermore argued that the ADF was taking advantage of the March 23 Movement's (M23) insurgency in North and South Kivu.<ref name=":24" /><ref name=":21" /><ref name=":16" /> A senior research at HRW, Clémentine de Montjoye, added that the massacre "highlight[ed] the insecurity in eastern Congo" and argued there was a "need the Congolese government to urgently step up efforts to protect civilians and hold those responsible to account."<ref name=":22" /> The HRRC furthermore argued that "strong international assistance" was needed.<ref name=":24" />
== Notes == {{notelist}}
== References == <references responsive="1"></references>
Category:2020s massacres in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Category:2025 murders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Category:Massacres in the Kivu conflict Category:Ituri Province Category:Islamic State terrorist incidents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Category:ISIL terrorist incidents in 2025 Category:Terrorist incidents in Africa in 2025 Category:Massacres in 2025 Category:Church massacres in Africa Category:Allied Democratic Forces attacks Category:Ambushes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Category:July 2025 crimes in Africa