Two boys freed from the ADF militia in DR Congo reveal forced recruitment, brutal punishments, and trauma after years of captivity and violence.
BUNIA: Two boys have recounted the torment of being forcibly recruited by a rebel militia affiliated with the Islamic State group in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The minors, freed from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), gave an unprecedented account of the shadowy group’s extreme brutality in the country’s northeast.
Paluku, 12, spent two months with the ADF after rebels killed his mother and captured his siblings during a village attack in North Kivu province.
Edouard, 17, endured four gruelling years with the Ugandan-origin rebel group after being kidnapped at age 12.
The boys spoke using pseudonyms at a specialist care centre for minors recruited by armed groups, with their location withheld for security.
Their accounts were confirmed independently by health and security sources.
Edouard did not mince words describing his years of “torment” within the ADF, stating simply, “We suffered terribly.”
After capture, both were sent to hidden forest bases where the rebels evade Congolese and Ugandan military patrols.
The mobile bases consist of simple tents and tarps, with most occupants being women and children who also serve as human shields.
New recruits are forcibly converted to Islam and must learn Arabic, English, and Swahili, according to Edouard.
He was trained in field medicine and weapons handling, while Paluku was taught to steal food, clothing, and medicine for the camp.
Security sources confirm children play a central role in supplying the group, with failure bringing severe punishment.
The wives of ADF commanders wield significant power, demanding goods from young recruits on pain of death.
Both boys described incessant corporal punishment, including whippings and being thrown into pits for minor misbehaviour.
“I was punished with lashes because I refused to go kill people,” Paluku said with a long stare.
Edouard participated in combat at least three times against the army or local militias.
Fighters were beaten for losing weapons or ammunition, with Edouard whipped severely after falling ill from lashes.
About ten children freed from the ADF arrive monthly at the reception centre in Ituri province.
“These children have suffered psychological trauma and torture, and when they arrive here, most are aggressive,” said psychologist Madeleine.
Their aggression typically fades after weeks of care, but deeper scars remain.
Edouard became addicted to drugs administered after combat wounds, suffering speech disorders and incoherent talking.
After a year of treatment, he recounted his horrors with a shy smile and excitable gaze.
Paluku wore a darker expression, recalling his sister who remains a hostage as a commander’s wife.
