The armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo recently issued an alert over planned bomb attacks by Islamist terrorists ADF at churches in the Beni region of North Kivu province on Easter. This announcement raises concerns about the safety of worshipers during the period of religious celebrations.
Captain Anthony Mwalushayi, spokesperson for the Sokola1 Grand-North operational sector, warned of this imminent threat, calling for increased vigilance to counter these malicious plans. He highlighted the desire of terrorists to disrupt Easter celebrations by targeting churches, thereby endangering the security of many worshipers.
Additional security measures have been put in place in the city to counter any attempted terrorist attack. Captain Mwalushayi also highlighted efforts to clean up the town of Butembo, considered a stronghold of ADF collaborators.
The situation in the Beni region remains tense, with persistent violence perpetrated by terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State. The rise of the Allied Democratic Forces highlights the challenges facing the Congolese army in its fight against this growing threat.
This alert highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and strengthening the security of places of worship and communities exposed to these risks. It is essential to mobilize all actors, including the media and civil society, to counter these threats and protect the local population.