Two boys freed from the IS-linked Allied Democratic Forces in northeastern DRC described forced recruitment, conversion to Islam, and brutal physical punishments. One was abducted at 12 and spent four years with the group; another was captured after rebels killed his mother. Both described training in medicine and weapons, being used to loot, and chronic flogging. A reception centre in Ituri treats roughly 10 rescued children monthly for severe psychological and physical trauma.
Freed Boys Recount 'Torment' After Forced Recruitment by IS-Linked ADF in DR Congo
A psychologist plays with two former child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Glody MURHABAZI)(Glody MURHABAZI/AFP/AFP)
Two boys recently freed from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militia linked to the Islamic State group, have given harrowing accounts of life inside the group's forest camps in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Their testimony offers a rare, detailed glimpse into how the ADF recruits and exploits children, forces conversions, and punishes dissent with brutal physical abuse.
Paluku, a frail 12-year-old using a pseudonym, said he was captured after rebels killed his mother during an attack on his village in North Kivu province. His brother and sister were also taken. Edouard, 17, said he had been abducted at age 12 and spent four years with the ADF. Both boys spoke on condition of anonymity at a specialised reception centre for children rescued from armed groups; staff withheld the facility's location for security reasons.
Health and security sources corroborated the boys' statements. According to their accounts, ADF bases are concealed in dense forest and consist of moveable tents and tarpaulins that help the group evade patrols by the Congolese army and Ugandan forces deployed to the area.
Forced Conversion, Training and Exploitation
New recruits were reportedly forced to convert to Islam and to learn Arabic. Many children were also taught English and Swahili. Edouard said he received medical training to treat wounded fighters and was instructed in weapons handling and maintenance. Paluku said he was taught to steal food, clothing and medicine to supply the camps.
Security sources and the boys described camps populated largely by women and children who both supported the group's logistics and served as human shields during operations.
Floggings And Harsh Punishment
Both boys described routine corporal punishment. Children who failed to steal or return goods were severely punished. The wives of ADF commanders—some of whom wield considerable influence—could demand retribution if their requests were not met. Paluku said younger recruits were expected to bring back small items for commanders' wives; failure could lead to threats of death.
"We suffered terribly," Edouard said. "I was punished with lashes because I refused to go kill people," Paluku added.
Edouard reported participating in combat at least three times. He described being beaten for losing weapons or ammunition and said repeated lashes left him ill and unable to fight on the front lines.
Trauma And Recovery
About 10 children rescued from the ADF arrive each month at a reception centre in Ituri province, according to staff. Madeleine, a psychologist at the centre, said most new arrivals exhibit severe psychological trauma and aggressive behaviour, which typically eases after weeks of therapy and socialisation with other children.
Longer-term effects remain. Edouard developed an addiction to drugs administered by fighters after being wounded in combat and now has speech disorders and disordered behaviour that staff are treating. Paluku continues to grieve his sister, who he says remains held by the ADF and has been forced into marriage with a commander.
The boys' accounts underscore the urgent need for continued rescue, rehabilitation and protection efforts for children affected by armed conflict in eastern DRC.
Reporting by AFP; names are pseudonyms. The reception centre's location is withheld for security reasons.
