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In eastern DRC, Christians face severe persecution amid violent conflict. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) – religious extremists with ties to the Islamic State group – have deliberately targeted Christian communities through massacres, abductions and the destruction of churches. Survivors report atrocities that are intended to eradicate the Christian presence.
Chrisitan converts endure social rejection, pressure to recant their faith, and exclusion from inheritance and community life. Refusal to perform traditional rites often results in intimidation.
Meanwhile, Catholic and Protestant church leaders who speak against state corruption or advocate for constitutional rights risk threats, surveillance and harassment. Church activities are disrupted, and clergy publicly vilified. This contributes to a climate of fear in which calls for justice are systematically silenced.
Christians living in eastern DRC experience the brunt of persecution, as the ADF is extremely active and regularly targets Christians and faith communities. Christian leaders are often more vulnerable. They can be singled out by extremist groups and face pressure from both government and rebel forces if they speak out about human rights abuses. Finally, converts from Islam can face pressure and be ostracised by their families and communities.
"It's horrible what I saw… They killed almost all the people gathered at the place of mourning."
Abbé Paluku Nzalamingi, a parish priest in the DRC who witnessed a massacre during a burial ceremony that left 70 dead.
A rise in pressure for followers of Jesus meant that the DRC rose by six places on this year’s World Watch List. The resurgence of the M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has worsened conditions in the DRC. M23’s territorial gains in 2024/25 have triggered mass displacement and silenced dissent. Christian leaders who criticise their actions risk abduction or disappearance.
Attacks from the ADF also continued, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced. The stories from these attacks are horrifying; the violence has left countless Christians traumatised and fearful.
Open Doors works through local partners and churches in the DRC to provide physical and spiritual support to persecuted Christians. This enables them to be resilient in the face of persecution through emergency aid, persecution-preparedness training and discipleship.
Lord, we ask You to bring peace to the DRC and to rescue Your people. Seeing the hundreds slaughtered and thousands on the run, we are driven to our knees and know that no lasting peace or healing can happen apart from You. Please bring a change of heart to the militants who would inflict harm on Your people and create the opportunity for peace to take hold. Give Your servants the chance to be peacemakers in what seems like an impossible situation – even as they trust in Your ultimate goodness as the true source of peace. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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