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Former Child Soldiers Share Harrowing ADF Captivity Stories

12/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Two boys forcibly recruited by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) linked to Islamic State described life in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Paluku, 12, was captured after rebels killed his mother, and Edouard, 17, endured four years of captivity beginning at age 12.
They spoke anonymously at a care center for former child soldiers, and the center’s location remained secret to protect them from reprisals in eastern North Kivu.

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Story summary

Two boys forcibly recruited by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) linked to Islamic State described life in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Paluku, 12, was captured after rebels killed his mother, and Edouard, 17, endured four years of captivity beginning at age 12.
They spoke anonymously at a care center for former child soldiers, and the center’s location remained secret to protect them from reprisals in eastern North Kivu.