Death in the House of God: Survivors Recall DRC Church Massacre, Blame Government for Failing to Protect Them

Grief and anger continue to grip the town of Komanda in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following a brutal attack on a Catholic church that left at least 43 people dead, including nine children.

The massacre occurred late Saturday night at the Blessed Anuarite Catholic parish, where worshippers had gathered for evening prayers. According to survivors, heavily armed assailants—believed to be members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)—stormed the church, tied up congregants, and executed them in cold blood.

Witnesses report that some victims were shot, while others were hacked to death with pangas. The attack is one of the deadliest carried out by the ADF in recent months and has once again raised serious questions about the government’s ability to protect civilians in conflict-prone regions.

Pierre Abendi, a 21-year-old survivor, had dozed off in the church before the assault began. Awoken by gunfire, he initially assumed it was the army but quickly realized otherwise when he heard the attackers speaking in a foreign language. Hiding behind a mattress, he held his breath and remained motionless as the carnage unfolded around him.

Nearby, two brothers operating a shop close to the church narrowly escaped death. After hearing gunshots and cries for help, the men were confronted by the attackers and dragged into the bush. They managed to flee when another armed group appeared, briefly distracting the assailants. Others were not as fortunate—several people were reportedly kidnapped, and many more were slaughtered in front of their fellow worshippers.

Local clergy confirmed that numerous people sustained serious injuries, and families have been left devastated. Survivors described scenes of horror inside the church, and many now fear returning to the place of worship.

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in DRC, MONUSCO, condemned the killings as a gross violation of human rights and a heinous crime against civilians. However, residents say condemnations are not enough—they demand accountability and real protection.

Despite the presence of security forces and peacekeepers in the region, no intervention came in time to stop the attack. The victims were buried on Monday in a mass grave following a somber funeral ceremony. Soldiers were seen standing by—but only after the bloodshed had ended.

For the people of Komanda, the massacre is not only a tragedy but a bitter reminder of their vulnerability. Survivors are haunted by the violence, and many are struggling to process their trauma. Some are too frightened to speak, others too afraid to pray.

The town mourns its dead, and the survivors ask the same question: Where was the protection when we needed it most?