Pope decries massacres in DRC and appeals for protection of civilians

By Vatican News

Speaking after the Angelus prayer on Sunday, Pope Francis raised an appeal for the safeguard of civilians in eastern DRC where numerous attacks have taken place in the past weeks.

"Painful news of clashes and massacres continues to arrive from the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he said, before launching his plea.

“I appeal to the national authorities and to the international community to do everything possible to stop the violence and safeguard the lives of civilians,” the Pope said and he noted that among the victims, many are Christians.

Describing them as martyrs, the Holy Father went on to say “Their sacrifice is a seed that germinates and bears fruit, teaching us to bear witness to the Gospel with courage and consistency.”

The attacks in North Kivu

News agencies and local authorities reported that between 42 and 80 people were killed in a series of attacks on villages in Beni territory allegedly perpetrated by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels. Also known as Oicha territory, Beni is part of the North Kivu province.

The attacks, between 4-7 May, came in the wake of other such killings in the past two weeks during which the assailants also stole motorcycles and set fire to houses during their incursions.

Africa News agency said the populations of the villagers attacked by the rebels fled their homes to take refuge in Kyatsaba, in the western part of the city of Beni, and in Mabalako, where the General Reference Hospital is reportedly overwhelmed with patients, including the injured.

Since May 3, the civil society of Beni territory reports that 123 civilians have been killed in various attacks attributed to ADF rebels in the Bapakombe-Pendekali region, in Mangina, Mantumbi, Kudukudu, Kalmango, and Beu-Manyama.

The ADF, which is now based in eastern Congo, has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and mounts frequent attacks, further destabilizing a region where many militant groups are active.

The rebel group started as a Ugandan insurgency and has operated from eastern Congo for nearly three decades.

AFP News agency said the latest attack brings the death toll due to ADF attacks in the DRC this month to nearly 150.

Separately, DRC authorities are also battling the Rwanda-linked M23 rebels, who also mostly operate in the eastern region of the country.

Request for prayers for peace

Pope Francis also asked those following the Angelus Prayer to continue to pray for other violence-stricken peoples.

“Let us not cease to pray for peace in Ukraine, the Holy Land, Sudan, Myanmar, and wherever people suffer from war,” he said.