Kinshasa: The Catholic Bishops of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have strongly denounced a series of brutal killings in the eastern provinces, calling on both national authorities and armed groups to recognize the sanctity of human life and take urgent steps to end the cycle of violence.
In a statement issued on September 12, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) expressed deep sorrow over fresh massacres, including the September 8 attack in Ntoyo village, Lubero territory in North Kivu Province, where at least 102 people were killed during a funeral gathering. The bishops said these atrocities highlight the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.
Other recent violent incidents include an August 16 attack by members of the CODECO militia on the Bule Center road in Djugu Territory, Ituri Province, in which five people were killed, four injured, and several homes burned. On the night of August 19 to 20, armed men invaded Saint Kizito Propaedeutic Seminary in Bunia. Earlier, more than 40 Catholic faithful were massacred during a prayer service at Blessed Anuarite Parish in Komanda, also in Djugu.
The bishops lamented what they described as a growing normalization of such killings, noting that both national and international communities often remain indifferent to the plight of civilians in the east. They stressed that human life is sacred and must always be respected.
CENCO urged the Congolese government to step up its security efforts, strengthen the protection of civilians, and ensure accountability for perpetrators. They also appealed to all armed groups, including M23, CODECO, and other militias, to abandon armed confrontation and instead engage in dialogue through a proposed social pact aimed at achieving lasting peace.
The eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu continue to suffer repeated attacks despite military operations and states of emergency. Civilians, churches, and religious institutions remain primary targets, raising concerns about both the effectiveness of government measures and the urgent need for international support.
The bishops concluded by offering condolences to bereaved families and commending the souls of victims to God, while calling on all Congolese and the global community not to remain silent in the face of ongoing atrocities.