Child soldiers in the DRC.
Not a lot of talking goes around on this, but it’s still a huge issue that needs to be addressed urgently.
What’s going on here?
In the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries, People under 18 were kidnapped while walking or just living life to fight in the war. They were given threats if they refused. These threats were usually about hurting loved ones or family. Kids didn’t have a choice. Kids that survived now share stories of trauma.
The kids!?
Yes, the kids.
Children, known locally as Kadogos (Swahili for “little ones”), were recruited by all sides of the conflict
These kids served as cooks, fighters or were raped.
You could be as young as 7!
Former president of the DRC, Laurent-Désiré Kabila was assassinated by one of his own child soldiers.
These kids witnessed murders, or were forced to make their own.
Sources say:
- Survivors report trauma, PTSD, and disrupted education.
- Some were tattooed and initiated into mystical rituals involving gris-gris (protective charms).
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