Attack on east Congo church by Islamic State-backed rebels kills at least 34, civil leader says
CBSJUL 31
Congo Church Attack Kills Over 40 in Islamic State Assault
Above: The town of Komanda in Ituri province, DRC, where a local group of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which was aligned to the Islamic State group, attacked and killed church worshippers on Saturday. Image copyright: Glody Murhabazi/Contributor/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Government-critical narrative
This horrific massacre exposes the complete failure of the DRC's security apparatus and international peacekeeping efforts. The attack proves that IS may be exploiting the DRC's rampant instability.
Pro-government narrative
There are reasons to be hopeful about improved stability in the DRC. The DRC-Rwanda peace deal could potentially be a turning point in addressing the root conflicts of instability that could ultimately improve security conditions.