Photo: al-Naba
According to an analysis conducted by BBC Monitoring, the self-declared terrorist group, Islamic State (IS), and its affiliated members have significantly escalated a campaign of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the first half of 2023, the terrorists claimed to have instigated 58 violent attacks in the DR Congo, targeting those whom they identify as Christians. These attacks are concentrated in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.
This influx of violence took place despite the fact that the number of attacks in the southeastern African country of Mozambique has dropped significantly since the previous year. Statistics indicate that, in 2022, Mozambique bore the brunt of the aggression perpetrated by IS; however, the jihadist group has lost considerable influence in that country during recent months.
The terrorist group's recently published propaganda boasts that its militants have plundered Christian villages and massacred local residents of these targeted communities. The group justifies their attacks by claiming that the Quran dictates that Christians must either pay a tax (Jizya), convert to Islam, or face death. There is no indication that the first two options were offered to any of the Christians affected by the recent attacks.
The DR Congo is considered predominantly Christian, with Muslims making up a little more than one percent of the population. Therefore, any time the militant Islamic group launches an attack in the country, its members could assumedly imply that it was perpetrated against "Christians." Nevertheless, IS fighters have been clearly targeting Christians in their efforts to establish an Islamic nation within central Africa. In their weekly newsletter, al-Naba, they claim the attacks are "avenging Muslims killed or imprisoned by Christian armies." Yet, since the group's ability to attack armed forces has been diminished, the recently occurring violence has mainly been inflicted on civilians.
Prayerfully ask the Lord to minister His peace and comfort to the many innocent people who have been affected by these escalated attacks. Pray that the governing authorities of this Central African nation will receive the wisdom and resources needed to put a stop to this violence and prevent it from reoccurring. Please also intercede on behalf of those responsible for the attacks. May they be convicted of their horrific crimes against humanity and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, also be brought to a point of repentance and salvation.
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