UNICEF: Former child soldier reclaims his life in DR Congo

GOMA, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 16 October 2007 -- Maisha (not his real name) was 15 when he joined the Mayi-Mayi militia, a loose coalition of Congolese soldiers that emerged a decade ago in opposition to the Rwandan-backed Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie (RCD).

According to Jason Stearns, a Nairobi-based senior analyst in the International Crisis Group, children make up 40 to 50 per cent of the militia forces.

The Mayi-Mayi recruit children through force or manipulation. They also play on superstition to increase their ranks. 'Mayi' is a Swahili word for water, and the Mayi-Mayi say that magic powers turn bullets directed at them to water. They tell children that they, too, will become indestructible and can protect their families and communities from invaders.

To read the full story, visit: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/drcongo_41224.html

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• UNICEF
• DR
• Congo
• child
• soldiers
• Goma
• Rwanda
• RCD
• Mayi-Mayi

[FREETOWNFOUNDATION]

A really good video with a compelling story behind it. We need to stop the use of child soldiers around the world and give them an education in a safe environment. They are the doctors, teachers and inventors of the future!

[hijaabiforlife]

WOW! a remarkable story ............and a remarkable man ( VERY VERY VERY VEEEERY GUUUD LOOKING too)

[vettechpat2]

This needs to stop and were in control!!!!! what is wrong we let this happen because of racism!!!!!! It's 2011 not 1864 we are all human beings...

[artmakesmesmile]

Inspiring after such tragedy... hope.

[routerpimp]

the future needs soldiers too...

[truthspeaker2000]

hell on earth

[melemma251194]

tHatZZ sOo sAd!!!