In February of 2012, Invisible Children spoke with a 19-year old former LRA abductee* in the Central African Republic (CAR) who was forced to become one of Joseph Kony’s 40+ wives at the age of 16. She explained how the combination of FM radio broadcasts and defection leaflets gave her the courage to finally escape, more than three years after she was abducted by the LRA. This story highlights the importance of the Demobilization, Disarmament, and Reintegration (DDR) process and the need to expand efforts that promote peaceful surrender of LRA members.
*name and specific location protected for security purposes
Below is more information about Invisible Children’s Protection Plan. One aspect of that plan is encouraging the peaceful surrender of LRA combatants. Many of those still a part of the LRA are unwilling combatants who wish to escape but are paralyzed by fear. Reaching out directly to the LRA rank-and-file, Invisible Children is working with partners to give members of the LRA encouragement to escape and to detail the most effective way to do so.
Invisible Children has partnered with multiple radios across central Africa. This is the story of Radio Zereda, a radio Invisible Children has supported and expanded in their broadcasting range and their mission to bring LRA combatants safely out of captivity.
Invisible Children was asked by the UN to develop a culturally sensitive flier that encourages LRA combatants to peacefully surrender and return home. It has proved to be successful and many have defected from the LRA after seeing them, including one of Joseph Kony’s wives as shown in the video above.
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