A devastating bomb attack rocked a Pentecostal church in Kasindi, a town in North Kivu province on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, on Sunday, January 15, 2023. The explosion, which occurred during a baptism ceremony, claimed at least 10 lives and left 39 others injured, according to initial reports from Congolese authorities. The Islamic State (IS) group later claimed responsibility for the attack, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in eastern DRC.
A Tragic Strike During Worship
The attack, described as a terrorist act by a Congolese military spokesman, targeted worshippers gathered at the church for a sacred occasion. According to Esdras Kambale Mupanya, a 42-year-old deacon, the explosion occurred shortly after a group baptism, as a blind pastor was sharing reflections on Bible verses. “Several among us died on the spot, others had their feet cut in two,” Mupanya recounted to AFP, expressing gratitude for his survival: “God saved me and I came out in good health with my choir members.” The provisional death toll, initially reported as five, was revised to at least 10, with 39 injuries, though figures from Uganda’s military operation in the DRC suggested an even higher toll of 16 deaths and 20 injuries.
The attackers used an improvised explosive device (IED), and suspicion immediately fell on the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group affiliated with the Islamic State. The ADF, one of over 120 armed groups operating in eastern DRC, has a history of violent attacks, including bombings in North Kivu and neighboring Uganda. A Kenyan suspect was apprehended following the incident, though details about their involvement remain under investigation.
Islamic State Claims Responsibility
On Sunday evening, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement reported by the Site Intelligence Group, asserting that nearly 20 people were killed. The group’s affiliation with the ADF underscores the persistent threat of jihadist violence in the region, where the ADF has been blamed for thousands of civilian deaths. The attack in Kasindi adds to a troubling pattern of ADF operations, which have increasingly targeted urban areas with bombings, exacerbating insecurity in North Kivu.
Community Grief and Calls for Accountability
The bombing left the Kasindi community in mourning, with survivors and families grappling with profound loss. Jean-Paul Syauswa, a survivor, described the chaos as the explosion disrupted the sacred moment of worship. Kiza Kivua, a 50-year-old farmer who lost his brother, expressed his anguish: “I’m having trouble coming to terms with the loss of a loved one who went to church to pray.” Kivua also voiced frustration with the government, questioning, “How can such a situation happen when Kasindi is full of soldiers?” His sentiments reflect growing public discontent with the authorities’ inability to curb violence in the region.
The DRC presidency and the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, condemned the attack, with the latter calling it a cowardly and despicable act. The incident has reignited calls for stronger security measures in eastern DRC, where the ADF and other armed groups continue to destabilize communities.
Ongoing Security Challenges in Eastern DRC
The Kasindi church bombing highlights the complex security landscape in eastern DRC, a region plagued by over 120 armed groups vying for control of resources and territory. The ADF’s ties to the Islamic State have amplified its threat, with the group responsible for numerous atrocities against civilians. The attack underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the root causes of instability and protect vulnerable communities. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting the victims and preventing further acts of violence in this volatile region.
