Source: www.persecution.org
Date: May 12, 2023
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (International Christian Concern)—The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamic rebel group, ambushed a key crossing point for people and goods in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Thursday, killing three people, burning cars and motorcycles, and destroying a makeshift water vessel.
At Kambo, the Semuliki River crossing channel, ADF jihadists emerged from the shores and overpowered the security officers guarding the access point as travelers, vehicles, and motorbikes were disembarking the boat, according to a source.
“We arrived here at 6 a.m. to assess the situation. We found shells of three burned vehicles, two motorbikes, and the bodies of three people killed yesterday evening,” said a local chief on the scene. “The security officers also managed to evacuate a woman who survived the attack with severe injuries. The ADF rebels had closed the road from Kasindi to Butembo yesterday evening before they carried out this attack. The boat that we used to cross this river was also hit by bullets.”
Those killed in the terror attack were two sailors manning the boat and a soldier controlling access to the Semuliki River crossing channel that joined the Kasindi-Butembo road axis in Beni territory, Nord Kivu.
The Semuliki River channel at Kambo is about four kilometers away from the border town of Kasindi, and it is a key crossing point for people and goods between Kasindi and Butembo, in the Eastern region of the DRC.
“This is a setback to church growth and trade in the region,” said a church leader in Butembo who is concerned over the escalating attacks on innocent Christians. “The attack in Semuliki means that the rebels are out of their hiding in the Virunga forest and they are targeting churches, hospitals, towns, and passengers in Kasindi. They are so near that residents are in fear and cannot engage in their daily activities in peace. Today, security has advised those planning to ply Kasindi Butembo road to postpone their trips as they comb the area to restore calmness.”
HOW TO PRAY: Pray for the families of those who were killed in this attack. Pray for an end to ADF-led violence in the DRC. Pray for the gospel to spread among ADF militants.