An influential Imam in the Beni region in DRC was assassinated in the mosque during prayers over the weekend. The Imam identified as Sheikh Ali Amini was shot and killed on Saturday, May 1 in full prayer, in the Al-Jammiya mosque in Mupanda, in the Kasabinyole district, in the Ruwenzori Commune.
Intelligence revealed two assailants entered the mosque compound, one entered the mosque and shot the imam point-blank and escaped on a motorbike ridden by the second offender and disappeared without a trace. The attack on a beloved Muslim leader in Beni is a major blow to the Muslims as they observe the holy month of Ramadhan and especially in what appeared like a well-planned and executed plan.
Intelligence indicated that Sheikh Ali Amini was most likely targeted by Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) as he has been very vocal in criticizing the attacks on the civilian population in the region. He was also openly opposed to radicalization and violence and his teachings were firmly against the violence and especially the bid by ISCAP to establish an Islamic Caliphate in the eastern region of DRC.
