The ACDP condemns in the strongest terms the barbaric massacre of over 70 civilians in the village of Ntoyo in the North Kivu province of the eastern DRC, by ISIS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels on Monday night whilst they were in mourning at a funeral. This attack, in which most of the victims were brutally slaughtered with machetes, and others shot, violates every human value as much as international humanitarian law, including Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions and customary norms prohibiting attacks on civilians.
The ACDP extends its condolences to the families and communities of those who lost their lives in this attack. We call for urgent regional and international action that would see a concerted effort to rid the country of such barbarism.
The ACDP further urges the African Union (AU) to intensify its intervention in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The AU must deploy diplomatic pressure, bolster regional peacekeeping, and coordinate humanitarian relief to protect these vulnerable communities.
Sadly, this massacre is not an isolated incident but reflects a pattern of escalating violence that demands continental resolve. The AU’s Peace and Security Council is mandated under Article 7 of its Protocol to act decisively in such crises; failure to do so undermines its credibility and the safety of millions.
Africa must not abandon its own to the brutality of extremist militias.
We also urge Christians in Africa not to shy away from their faith because of their persecutors, and not to hate their persecutors. Continue praying that God would cause His love in us and through us to prevail over hate.
