KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo

At least 43 civilians were killed in an overnight attack in Democratic Republic of Congo’s northeastern Ituri province, in an assault attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group affiliated with the Islamic State in Central Africa.

The attackers stormed Komanda town in Irumu territory around midnight Saturday, targeting a group of worshippers gathered in a prayer hall near the town’s general hospital. The victims reportedly included several catechumens from the Catholic church who were preparing for confirmation on Sunday.

“The attack started around midnight. They caught the people at prayer by surprise. Several displaced persons living nearby were also killed. Unlike previous times, there were no warning signs,” survivor Mwila Kiloko told Anadolu.

Witnesses said homes were set ablaze and personal belongings looted. A truck belonging to a merchant from Oicha was also torched.

Attack in heart of city

The deadly assault struck the city center -- a location presumed to be secure due to the presence of security forces. The breach sparked renewed concern over protection for civilians.

Christophe Munyanderu, coordinator of the Convention for the Respect of Human Rights in Irumu, denounced the killings as a “barbaric and premeditated act,” and urged authorities to boost the military’s presence in the area.

“Komanda remains a vulnerable target despite the state of siege. Authorities must take responsibility to protect civilians,” he said.

Anger and demand for answers

On Sunday morning, the bodies of the victims remained at the site of the attack. Residents, angered by the government’s silence, refused to bury the dead until provincial officials formally acknowledged the killings.

Local civil society organizations are calling for the arrival of the military governor in Komanda and the immediate implementation of security measures to prevent further massacres. The attack has renewed scrutiny of the state of siege, which has remained in effect for more than two years in the violence-plagued region.

Hotspot of insecurity

Komanda lies along the strategic Beni-Bunia corridor, long seen as a flashpoint for violence. Several attacks in recent months have killed dozens of civilians and deepened instability in the region.

As the community reels from the latest mass killing, pressure is mounting on Congolese authorities to deliver effective and lasting solutions to counter the ADF threat in eastern Congo.