The Recruitment of Congolese Children

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) is an armed opposition group currently operating in northern territories of North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is considered a terrorist group. Its leaders are... [ view full abstract ]

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) is an armed opposition group currently operating in northern territories of North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is considered a terrorist group. Its leaders are comprised of Ugandan rebels operating in the DRC since 2005, many of whom are Muslim, with the rank and file composed of Congolese of various religious backgrounds. In the last two years, the ADF is believed to be responsible for the killing and kidnapping of hundreds of Congolese citizens in and around Beni, DRC. The ADF is known to recruit and use children as fighters as well as use boys and girls to support its activities.

This abstract presents information on the recruitment of Congolese children to serve in the ranks of the ADF. In the last two years, the ADF has targeted largely Muslim families living in North and South Kivu for recruitment. ADF recruiters convinced some parents with false promises of scholarships in Middle Eastern countries of further study of Islam in the region to send children or young adults to advance their knowledge. These recruiters instead trafficked children and youth into camps run by the ADF where they were pressed into service. The abstract additionally presents information on how children have been used in attacking and the taking hostage of civilians as well as killing, looting, and maiming others.

The information presented here is based on interviews with parents whose children were trafficked in North and South Kivu. It is additionally based on testimony of survivors of armed attacks in Beni and from children who have escaped or been rescued from the ADF. It provides evidence on new methods of recruitment by ADF operatives as well as suggestions on the need for protection strategies that include media campaigns to alert parents on recruitment patterns.