DRC – Irumu Territory in Ituri: Massacre in Komanda
Catholic community targeted: At least 40 civilians killed in an attack attributed to the ADF
July 27, 2025
The town of Komanda, located in the Basili chiefdom in Irumu territory (about 75 km from Bunia, Ituri Province, DRC), was the scene of a massacre on the night of July 26–27, 2025. This deadly attack, attributed to Ugandan rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), left more than forty civilians dead, with several people still missing.
The heavily armed assailants entered the town simultaneously from four neighborhoods: Zunguluka, Umoja, Kipeyayo, and Buliki. In particular, they targeted a Catholic prayer vigil being held in a multipurpose hall, where parishioners were preparing for the 50th-anniversary celebrations of their local church.
A survivor, still in shock, reported: “The ADF attacked while we were sleeping. They locked the exits, decided who to kill and who to tie up, and took some people hostage. I survived by a miracle by hiding behind motorcycle parts under a mattress—and because I understood their language.”
Damage and Casualties
The attack caused significant property damage: homes set on fire, stores ransacked, and a Fuso vehicle completely burned to the ground with a victim inside. The attackers also reportedly killed a mentally ill man near the CADECO bank before launching their main assault.
The Kipeyayo neighborhood and its surrounding areas were particularly hard hit, with several bodies reportedly still unaccounted for.
Mass Exodus and Economic Paralysis
The attack sparked widespread panic, prompting many residents to flee to areas considered safer or to seek refuge in the bush. This Sunday, the usually bustling center of Komanda remains largely deserted, with most businesses closed as a precaution.
Reaction from the authorities
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) claim to have regained control of the area and have deployed units to strategic access points. However, no official statement has yet been issued by Congolese provincial or military authorities regarding this massacre.
The local population is calling for an intensification of military operations and greater protection for civilians, who are continually being targeted in this region of Ituri, in eastern DRC, which is plagued by chronic insecurity.
The death toll remains preliminary, as search efforts continue to locate the missing and the victims in remote areas.
Report by Olivier Okande from Komanda (DRC)
