Fatshimetrie is an online media that closely follows the news in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Today, we would like to draw your attention to a recent event that has raised hope and concern in the eastern region of the DRC. On Saturday, November 30, the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) handed over 40 former hostages of rebel forces, including the ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) and Mayi-Mayi armed groups, to the MONUSCO Child Protection Section, in collaboration with their partners. Among these former hostages, 29 are minors who were victims of forced recruitment into these armed groups.
This release was made possible thanks to joint operations carried out by the FARDC in collaboration with the Ugandan army (UPDF) in the region, aimed at neutralizing active armed groups, including the ADF and some Mayi-Mayi. Colonel Mack Hazukay, Spokesperson for Sokola 1 operations, stressed the importance of this release by highlighting the case of the 29 minors, 7 of whom were affiliated with the Mai-Mai. He strongly condemned the use of children by armed groups, describing these practices as acts of war crimes.
The Congolese authorities handed over the minors to MONUSCO’s Child Protection Section, which works in partnership with specialized organizations to ensure their social reintegration. The former adult hostages were handed over to civil society to facilitate their reintegration into their respective communities.
This release highlights the persistent challenges related to the recruitment of children into armed groups in the DRC and underlines the importance of joint efforts by security forces and international organizations to combat this unacceptable practice. It is essential to ensure that victims, particularly children, receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society in a positive manner.
In conclusion, this release of the former hostages demonstrates the authorities’ determination to combat the use of children in armed conflict and to protect vulnerable populations. It is now up to civil society and partner organizations to continue to support these victims on the path to rehabilitation and reintegration, in order to offer them a better future free from violence.