The death toll from Sunday’s church attack in eastern Congo has risen to 43, including nine children, said MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, on Monday.
As per reports, the houses and shops surrounding the church were burnt down by the ADF rebels.
MONUSCO deputy chief, Vivian Van De Perre, said in a statement that, "These targeted attacks on defenceless civilians, especially in places of worship, are not only revolting but also contrary to all norms of human rights and international humanitarian law.”
Sunday’s attack marked the end of a months-long calm period in the region bordering Uganda.
The most recent attack by the ADF rebels was carried out in February this year, in which 23 civilians were gunned down in Mambasa territory.
The Congolese armed forces have described the attack as a massacre, and the ADF was seeking revenge by targeting innocent civilians to spread terror and chaos.
It's pertinent to mention here that Eastern Congo, which is marred by decades of violence, is the most dangerous region in the world.
Also read: Islamic State terrorists kill 21 at East Congo church
Approximately 130 militant groups are said to be active across the country to keep control over the vast reserves of rare earth minerals.
Also, the M23 rebels and Congolese forces agreed to end all hostilities after more than 2 decades of fighting.
ADF is a long-standing militant group that originated in Uganda but expanded its operations to eastern Congo. They have been responsible for the killings of thousands of civilians.
The group uses traditional weapons like “hatchets and machetes” to carry out attacks, especially on unarmed innocent civilians.
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