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The following report comes from Saskia Rotshuizen, our Central Africa Programs Coordinator.

On the night of January 12, 2013, LRA forces raided a small community in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). After stealing food and supplies, the group abducted one boy and four girls, including 12-year-old Patricia, forcing them to help carry the stolen goods. The group left the village and moved north into Garamba National Park and Patricia was not heard from again until a few weeks ago. Patricia managed to escape one night when her captors were drunk and asleep. After five days of walking on her own, Patricia found her way to Nagero on July 31st, where she was discovered by Garamba Park rangers who took her in. While she was staying with the rangers, Patricia told them about the time she had spent with the LRA. She described where the LRA camp was located and how the group survived by looting food and goods from travelers along the road. According to Patricia, the LRA also poached wild game in the park as another source of food. 

Patricia was abducted from Aba in January and was found in Nagero in July. Nagero is situated just below Garamba National Park, where LRA groups are known to inhabit.

Patricia was abducted from Aba and was found in Nagero. Nagero is situated at the edge of Garamba National Park.

Garamba rangers are currently taking her back to her home village to reunite her with her parents. Patricia had the courage to escape, but many others like her haven’t yet received the assurances they need to come home. By becoming involved in our latest fundraising campaign #zeroLRA, you can help give hundreds of other LRA captives the information they need to escape the rebel group.  

*Name and photos has been changed to protect identities.

(Photo credit: Oxfam)