70 Christians beheaded in African country by ISIS-aligned militants, groups say; world mostly silent

A Horrific Massacre in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In a shocking and devastating act of violence, seventy Christians were brutally beheaded with machetes or large knives by Islamist militants in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The atrocity, carried out by rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS), has sent shockwaves around the world. Despite the severity of the massacre, the global response has been eerily silent, raising questions about the international community’s indifference to the persecution of Christians.

The victims, all from the Lubero district, were rounded up early in the morning of February 13. Witnesses describe the militants shouting, "Get out, get out," as they forced the Christians from their homes. The captives were taken to a small church in the village of Kasanga, a place that had once been a sanctuary for worship and refuge. Tragically, it became the site of their execution. The militants tied their hands and proceeded to behead them, leaving their bodies inside the church. Vianney Vitswamba, a local community protection committee coordinator, confirmed the horror, stating, "70 bodies were discovered in the church. They were tied up."

The ADF’s Brutal Campaign and the Context of Impunity

The ADF, with its ties to ISIS, has long been a source of terror in the DRC, particularly in the northeastern region. Analysts suggest that the group aims to establish an Islamic Caliphate in the area, forcing the predominantly Christian population to adopt extreme Muslim practices. This goal has led to relentless attacks on Christian communities, with churches and believers becoming deliberate targets. The DRC, where 95% of the population identifies as Christian, has become a battleground for religious extremism.

The massacre in Kasanga is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of violence and intimidation. John Samuel, a legal expert for Open Doors in sub-Saharan Africa, describes the situation as one of impunity, where perpetrators are rarely held accountable. "This massacre is a clear indicator of widespread human rights violations against civilians and vulnerable communities, often targeting Christians, perpetrated by the ADF—an Islamic State affiliate," he said. The lack of accountability has emboldened militant groups, allowing them to operate with relative freedom.

Local sources report that the militants refused to allow Christian leaders to bury the dead for five days, further exacerbating the trauma and grief for the survivors. This brutal act of psychological warfare has left the community in despair, with many expressing feelings of helplessness. An elder from the local CECA20 church lamented, "We don’t know what to do or how to pray; we’ve had enough of massacres. May God’s will alone be done."

The World’s Silence in the Face of Christian Persecution

The silence of the international community and mainstream media in response to this atrocity has been deafening. While the massacre has drawn condemnation from some quarters, it has largely been overshadowed by other global events. This lack of attention has not gone unnoticed. Tristan Azbej, Hungary’s State Secretary for the Aid of Persecuted Christians, expressed his horror at the killings and emphasized the need for global solidarity with persecuted Christians. "Hungary stands in solidarity with the persecuted Christians," he said. "The world needs to recognize and act against Christian persecution."

American political commentator Liz Wheeler also criticized the media’s silence, pointing out the hypocrisy of outlets that often prioritize certain narratives over others. "70 Christian men, women & children were beheaded… because they’re Christian. Their decapitated bodies were left in a church… because they’re Christian. The terrorists who murdered them have ties to ISIS. MSM, where’s your outrage? Are you silent… because they’re Christian?" her post on X read. The lack of coverage highlights a disturbing trend: the persecution of Christians, particularly in Africa, is often overlooked or downplayed in global discourse.

Christian Persecution in Africa: A Growing Crisis

The DRC is not the only country in Africa where Christians face severe persecution. In Nigeria, for example, thousands of Christians have been deliberately targeted and killed in recent years, according to a new report. The violence is part of a broader wave of attacks against Christian communities across the continent. Open Doors UK has warned that Christians in the DRC, especially in the eastern regions, face severe persecution and violence, often at the hands of Islamist militants like the ADF. These groups abduct and kill believers, attack churches, and spread terror, leading to widespread displacement and insecurity.

The problem is not limited to the DRC or Nigeria. Across Africa, Christians are increasingly targeted for their faith. Open Doors U.S. reported in January 2025 that over 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution and discrimination, with Africa being one of the most dangerous regions for believers. The rise in killings, assaults, and forced displacement has created a climate of fear and vulnerability for Christian communities.

In the DRC, the ADF’s affiliation with ISIS has further intensified the threat. The group’s attacks are not random but are part of a deliberate strategy to eradicate Christianity in the region. Churches, as symbols of faith and community, have become prime targets. The destruction of these sacred spaces has left many Christians feeling abandoned and unprotected, both by their government and the international community.

The Broader Context of Conflict in the DRC

The ADF is not the only militant group active in the DRC. In the northeastern region, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have also been making advances, recently seizing control of major cities like Goma and Bukavu. While the M23’s actions are not directly linked to the ADF’s religiously motivated violence, their presence adds to the instability and insecurity in the region. The DRC’s government has struggled to contain these groups, leaving civilians exposed to violence and exploitation.

The combination of Islamist extremism and broader conflict has created a perfect storm of violence in the DRC. For Christians, the threat is twofold: they face not only the brutality of militant groups but also the indifference of the world. The lack of international outrage and action has left many feeling forgotten and betrayed.

A Call to Action: Recognizing and Addressing Christian Persecution

The massacre in Kasanga is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by Christians in Africa and beyond. It is a call to action for the global community to acknowledge the scale of persecution and take concrete steps to protect vulnerable communities. Organizations like Open Doors and individuals like Tristan Azbej are leading the charge, advocating for greater awareness and solidarity.

However, the silence of mainstream media and the lack of political will to address the issue are significant barriers. Until the world recognizes the value of every human life and the fundamental right to religious freedom, tragedies like the Kasanga massacre will continue to occur. Christians in the DRC and elsewhere deserve not only prayers but also tangible support and protection.

As the world grapples with this crisis, it is essential to remember the faces behind the statistics—the mothers, fathers, children, and elders who lost their lives simply for their faith. Their stories must not be forgotten, and their memories must serve as a catalyst for change. The time to act is now, before more lives are lost to senseless violence and hatred.