ADF International Takes DRC Government to East African Court Over Destruction of Banyamulenge Christian Communities
ADF International has launched a court case at the East African Court of Justice on behalf of Banyamulenge Christian communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The case, filed on 16 May 2026, demands accountability for the 18 January 2026 attack on Uvira, during which Congolese...
Sean Nelson Demands Accountability and Reconstruction After Congolese Military Operation Destroyed Homes and Churches of Wrongly Accused Christians
ADF International has launched a court case at the East African Court of Justice on behalf of Banyamulenge Christian communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The case, filed on 16 May 2026, demands accountability for the 18 January 2026 attack on Uvira, during which Congolese government forces destroyed Christian homes and churches.
The attack occurred during a DRC military operation to retake Uvira from M23 rebels. Local Christian residents were wrongly accused of supporting M23 and bore the brunt of state retaliation.
How ADF International Is Fighting for Banyamulenge Christians at the East African Court of Justice
"Beyond the immediate devastation, these attacks leave lasting scars on communities," said Sean Nelson of ADF International.
The case demands acknowledgment of the damage, compensation for those affected, and assistance in rebuilding destroyed churches and religious properties.
Legal representative Innocent Nteziryayo framed the demand: "The DRC should act swiftly to prevent further violence, takes responsibility, and support reconstruction of destroyed religious properties." The case is one of the most significant international Christian human rights cases moving through African courts in 2026, alongside the Amnesty International ADF report on Eastern Congo and the ongoing crisis in North Kivu and Ituri.
The Crusader's Opinion
The Banyamulenge Christians of the eastern DRC have been targeted by every armed faction in the region. Now even the Congolese government has destroyed their homes and churches under the cover of fighting M23. ADF International is doing the work of holding governments to account at international courts. Pray for the Banyamulenge. Pray for ADF's case. Pray for an eastern Congo where Christians can worship without their churches being burned by either rebel groups or government soldiers. The Lord sees. The Court will rule. Justice must follow.
Take Action
- Donate: ADF International funding the DRC case
- Pray: For Banyamulenge Christian communities and ADF legal teams
- Read: The Amnesty International report on Eastern DRC
- Contact: Your representative urging US engagement on DRC religious freedom
- Share: The Banyamulenge story and refuse to let DRC Christians be invisible
