DR Congo: 80 Christians killed as Islamists target “worshipers of the cross”

DRC (MNN) – In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), entire Christian communities are running into the jungle with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Earlier this month, more than 80 Christians were killed in a series of Islamist attacks.

“It’s really chilling, that’s for sure,” says Greg Kelley with Unknown Nations. “The Congo, despite all of its challenges and difficulties for now decades, has largely been known as the most Christian country in the entire continent of Africa. More Christians living there than almost anywhere in the world, and so you’ve got a very Christian country that is being targeted.”

(Photo courtesy of Wendyfleury/Pixabay)

The assaults have been linked to Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), a militant Muslim group originating in Uganda.

Kelley explains, “They recognize that [in] eastern Congo…it’s so remote, there’s very little security to protect these areas, so they target this area.”

The militant group has a dire message for “worshipers of the cross” – convert, be subjugated, or die.

“They are coming in as a jihadist force, forcing people to convert. If they don’t convert, they destroy everything, they run them out, they’re killing people savagely. It’s just a complete intimidation tactic.”

Kelley also says there seem to be ulterior motives to ISCAP’s interest in the eastern DRC region.

“Congo is considered one of the wealthiest countries in the world from a natural resource standpoint, yet the people live in abject poverty. So you get these bad actors who are coming from neighboring countries like Uganda [and] Rwanda that are dominating and illegally exploiting the land of the most valuable resource they have, [and] taking it illegally. It’s just a tragedy.”

Treasure audio Bible distribution in DRC. (Photo courtesy of Unknown Nations, formerly World Mission)

You can encourage our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters in the DRC.

“We just need to be praying and lifting up these people, but also keep our eyes open for opportunities to stand with them in a practical way.”

Pray for displaced Christian families to find safety and shelter. Ask God to strengthen persecuted believers in the DRC. Pray also that Muslim extremists would ultimately meet Jesus Christ and surrender their lives to Him.

Header photo: Representative photo of Congolese village. (Photo courtesy of Kudra_Abdulaziz via Pixabay)