ISIS extremists hack 50 people to death with machetes at a funeral
Islamic State extremists have hacked at least 50 civilians to death at a funeral in eastern Congo.
The gruesome attack happened on Monday night in the town of Ntoyo, in Lubero territory, North Kivu province, local administrator Macaire Sivikunula said.
'I can confirm a provisional death toll of 50. The victims were caught off guard at a mourning ceremony in the village of Ntoyo at around 9 p.m., and most of them were killed with machetes,' he said. 'The search is continuing.'
Colonel Alain Kiwewa, the military administrator for Lubero, told Reuters the toll was around 60 and could rise as there were still people missing.
The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an armed group originally from Uganda, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2019 and now operates as its Central Africa Province.
Since then, the ADF has escalated its attacks in the region, targeting civilians with machetes and guns. Last month they killed more than 50 civilians in several attacks.
The group finances its operations through illicit activities and maintains a strong jihadist propaganda presence.
Despite joint military efforts by Congo and Uganda, the ADF continues to operate with impunity in the region.
The attack happened on Monday night in the town of Ntoyo, in Lubero territory, North Kivu province
Despite joint military efforts by Congo and Uganda, the ADF continues to operate with impunity in the region
In July, the group slaughtered 43 people, including children in Congo as they attended a Catholic church in Komanda
In July, the group slaughtered 43 people, including children in Congo as they attended a Catholic church in Komanda. The victims had gathered for a youth retreat when the attackers stormed the premises.
The attack prompted a response from Pope Leo, who expressed 'deep sorrow'.
The United Nations has condemned the ADF's actions as violations of international law and called for accountability.
However, peace efforts have been hampered by ongoing violence and a lack of effective enforcement.
The humanitarian situation remains dire, with thousands of civilians displaced and at risk.
The Islamic State has seen rapid growths in Africa, particularly in the Sahel.
Their influence has been spurred on by factors such as economic hardships, political unrests, and weak governance.
Congo is currently dealing with unrests and the fallout from a conflict with Rwanda that left scores of people killed. Additionally, several groups, including the ADF are in conflict with the government over land and natural resources.
The ADF has taken advantage of Congo's unrest to expand its influence in the country
In 2015, Nigerian jihadist group Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. Since then, it has carried out atrocious massacres, mass kidnappings, and suicide missions
In 2015, Nigerian jihadist group Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
Since then, it has carried out atrocious massacres, mass kidnappings, and suicide missions. In 2020, over 40 farmers were beheaded by the militants.
So far, the group has murdered thousands of people across the country and are spreading their insurgency to neighbouring countries such as Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
