Muslims in eastern DRC's Beni Mark Ramadan
Last update: February 19, 2026
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Residents lament living through 'war and massacres'...
Muslims in the eastern DRC's city of Beni marked the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan as they gathered for prayer and reflection as violence affected the region.
Footage captured on Wednesday February 18 showed congregational prayers at Beni's main mosque, followed by food aid distribution to displaced families in a show of solidarity.
"We have been living through war and massacres imposed upon us by the ADF for some time now," alleged Sheikh Moustapha Abdallah Matsongani, regional representative for Beni city and territory.
"You know that these ADF fighters came claiming to be Muslims, when in reality they are not," Matsongani claimed. "Whether you are Muslim or Christian, they kill everyone."
Sheikh Moustapha Matsongani, regional representative for Beni city and territory said that the Allied Democratic Forces fighter targeted civilians indiscriminately in pursuit of political objectives and commercial interests.
He added that imams now provided daily post-prayer psychological and spiritual support to help displaced people cope with trauma.
Despite the insecurity, displaced residents thanked the local community for their solidarity.
"I came from Goma to Beni. I didn't know how I would live here, but a Muslim woman welcomed me and my children into her home so we could live there," said Shakilah Moyimi, a displaced mother from Goma. "I sincerely thank those who helped us."
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed by fasting from dawn to sunset, alongside acts of prayer, reflection, and community solidarity.
