The persecution of Christians has escalated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), prompting fears that a jihadist group is gaining strength in the region.

At least 36 people were killed in the North Kivu region in the deadliest attack there since November 2014, according to the UN. The victims were reportedly tied up and hacked to death.

The Islamist Allied Democratic Forces/National Association for the Liberation of Ugan­da have targeted Christians in the north-east of the DRC for several years after the former’s attempt to overthrow the Ugandan government failed.