As GenocideWatch reports, Militants from the ISIS-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) are alleged to have abducted and killed 70 Christians in Mayba village, located in the volatile North Kivu province of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The attack, one of the deadliest in the region in recent months, marks a disturbing episode in a series of incidents in an increasingly brutal and relentless conflict.
The militants launched their assault at dawn on February 13, abducting 20 villagers. A second round of kidnappings followed, as ADF fighters seized 50 more people in the midst of an attempted rescue by locals. The hostages were transported to a Protestant church in nearby Kasanga, where they were executed with machetes and hammers, a method that underscores the brutal nature of the attack. The violent killings were described by survivors as swift and merciless.
The ADF has been a constant threat in the Lubero territory, particularly in recent weeks, with their actions leading to the deaths of over 200 people in the area. These attacks are part of a broader pattern targeting Christians and other civilians, including the destruction of homes, schools, and churches. The region has witnessed a significant displacement of people, with thousands forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
Here’s a breakdown of how these actions conflict with the Charter’s principles:
1. Right to Life (Article 4)
The deliberate killing of 70 Christians by ADF militants, as described in the attack, directly violates the right to life guaranteed under Article 4 of the ACHPR. The Charter asserts that every individual has the inherent right to life, which must be protected by law. The targeted killings of civilians in an indiscriminate manner are clear violations of this right.
2. Right to Dignity (Article 5)
The manner in which the victims were executed—using machetes and hammers—constitutes a form of torture or inhuman treatment. This violation of Article 5, which prohibits torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, is particularly grievous. The brutality of the killings, especially in a church setting, reflects a severe disregard for human dignity.
3. Right to Freedom of Conscience (Article 8)
The attack on the Christians, particularly those in the Protestant church in Kasanga, represents a direct assault on the freedom of religion. The ADF’s targeted violence against Christians infringes on their right to practice their faith freely and peacefully. Such attacks on religious groups violate the Charter’s commitment to ensuring the freedom of religion for all African peoples.
Conclusion
The allegations of abductions, killings, and the broader pattern of violence against civilians by the ISIS-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in North Kivu, DRC, constitute severe violations of several key provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). The government of the DRC and the African Union have a responsibility to investigate these allegations and bring the conflict to an end.
