ADF International Supports Legal Case for DRC Church Attack Survivors

In the heart of Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with complex conflicts that threaten its stability and impact local communities, particularly Christians. Legal advocacy group ADF International has stepped forward to support these communities in a significant legal challenge at the East African Court of Justice.

The unrest in the DRC escalated last year when the M23 rebels seized the strategic city of Goma. This group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, is at the center of an intricate geopolitical dispute. The DRC accuses Rwanda of coveting its mineral-rich eastern territories, while Rwanda counters that the DRC harbors individuals implicated in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Amid this turmoil, Islamic militant groups have exploited the situation, committing heinous acts as government forces and M23 remain preoccupied with each other. ADF International has highlighted a particular incident that underscores the plight of Christian communities in this chaotic environment.

On January 18, during a military campaign by the DRC to reclaim the city of Uvira from M23 control, accusations arose against local residents of supporting the rebels. According to ADF, this led to government forces inflicting widespread destruction on homes and places of worship, leaving survivors without spaces to practice their faith freely.

ADF International is advocating for the DRC to acknowledge the harm inflicted upon Christian communities, provide compensation, and aid in reconstructing their places of worship. Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at ADF International, emphasized the enduring impact of such violence, stating, “This is the often-overlooked aftermath of ethnic and religiously motivated violence. Beyond the immediate devastation, these attacks leave lasting scars on communities. In this case, these Christians from the Banyamulenge community in the DRC are now significantly hindered in their ability to worship, gather and live out their faith.”

Innocent Nteziryayo, legal counsel and representative for the affected churches, called for swift action from the DRC government, saying, “It is only right that the DRC acts swiftly to prevent further violence, takes responsibility and supports the reconstruction of destroyed churches and religious properties. Banyamulenge communities must be able to rebuild not only their homes, but also the churches and organizations that sustain their spiritual and communal life.”