Christians Beheaded as Violence Escalates in Africa

Christians Beheaded as Violence Escalates in Africa

As global attention remains fixed on the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria, two other nations, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique, are experiencing their own deadly surge of extremist violence. In recent weeks alone, jihadists affiliated with the Islamic State have claimed responsibility for at least 20 Christian deaths, many through brutal beheadings, as villages are burned and thousands flee for safety.

A Wave of Killings in the Democratic Republic of Congo

According to the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), militants aligned with the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) launched a series of violent attacks on Christian communities in eastern DRC. These raids resulted in 18 Christians being beheaded and several homes set ablaze.

In a chilling statement shared through their propaganda channels, the terror group boasted of its actions in Mayba Village in Lubero Territory, where 12 Christians were executed by beheading on November 12th. Days earlier, ISCAP fighters stormed Mazenze Village in Ituri Province, killing six more Christians with machine guns and burning around 20 homes.

These communities already living under the shadow of previous attacks are now facing renewed fear, displacement, and deep trauma.

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Mozambique Communities Under Fire Again

Violence has also intensified in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province, a region ravaged by Islamist insurgency since 2017. In recent attacks, four Christians were killed, including two who were beheaded, forcing many families to abandon their homes.

Bishop Alberto Vera of Nacala, who oversees a diocese in Nampula Province, described the devastation to Aid to the Church in Need.

It was a week of terror and much suffering, he said. Parents and their children had to flee to safer places. Most of the houses were burned, and people have been killed.

Since November 10th, multiple villages in Nampula have been attacked. Thousands have fled, and hundreds of homes lie in ashes. A recent United Nations report revealed that in just one week nearly 128,000 people were displaced due to extremist raids spreading across the districts of Memba and Erati.

Memba is now a deserted city, Bishop Vera added.

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A Humanitarian Crisis Years in the Making

The Cabo Delgado insurgency driven by Islamic State linked groups began in 2017 and has since claimed thousands of lives, creating a massive humanitarian emergency. More than one million people are displaced, many with no access to food, shelter, or medical care.

In October, CBN News reported that over 30 Christians were beheaded, and several churches were destroyed in another Islamic State led attack, showing how relentless the violence has become.

Faith Leaders Respond Love in the Midst of Chaos

Despite the growing danger, local ministry leaders refuse to abandon their mission. Iris Global, a Christian humanitarian organization long active in northern Mozambique, continues to serve affected communities with food, spiritual support, and emergency aid.

Will Hart, CEO of Iris Global, explained that the attacks reported publicly represent only a small part of the suffering endured every day.

Love looks like something in the midst of the chaos, he said. We are feeding as many people as we can. We are giving out the Word and Truth. We continue to plant churches and serve the broken, the poor, the sick, and the needy.

Iris Global continues to distribute solar powered Bibles, support displaced families, and stand with local pastors who have lost homes and congregations.

A Call for Prayer and Support

Bishop Alberto Vera urges Christians around the world to pray for the suffering communities.

Pray a lot for us, because this is an incomprehensible and intolerable reality, he said.

He also calls for stronger action from the Mozambican government, not only through military intervention but through dialogue and international cooperation to address the deeper issues driving extremism.

Hart echoes the same plea.

Pray for peace. Pray for our brothers and sisters who are living in the midst of this chaos. They are living this daily.

Standing With the Persecuted

As violence spreads in regions often overlooked by international media, the testimonies of survivors and ministry workers remind us that these are not mere headlines, but real human lives and communities devastated by terror. Their resilience stands as a powerful witness of hope.

For believers everywhere, the call remains clear pray, support, speak up, and do not look away.

 

 

 

Content Credit: Ohidah Oluwaferanmi

Image Credit: CBNews.com