Christian woman rescued after four years of captivity in DR Congo

Katungu Mbaka Darke, a Christian woman abducted by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in July 2022, has been rescued by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Darke was taken from her home in Lume village during an evening raid. International Christian Concern reported that during her four years in captivity, she was subjected to sexual violence and forced to memorize Quranic verses, though she maintained her Christian faith throughout the ordeal. She also gave birth to two children while held by her captors.

Local leaders, including Lume village chief Kimbi Tsobo, expressed relief at her return, noting that the community had previously held a burial ceremony after losing hope for her survival. Church leaders in the region have welcomed her back while calling for continued attention to others still missing due to militant activity. While the specific date of the rescue operation remains undisclosed, the recovery has been described by community members as a significant and emotional event for her family.