KONY 101 // WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PEOPLE LEAVE THE LRA?
We often talk about our defection programs because so many returnees cite our “Come Home” fliers or messages as the reason they chose to leave the bush. But what happens after these people return home? Unfortunately, there is a serious disparity in resources dedicated to the rehabilitation and reintegration of former LRA members. Depending on age, […]
KONY 101 // HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE LRA FIGHTERS AND ATTACKS?
For almost 30 years, the LRA has been terrorizing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Central African Republic (CAR), South Sudan and Uganda. But how do community members, regional military, and humanitarian organizations distinguish LRA fighters from other rebels and bandits in the region? How we recognize an LRA fighter Uniform As we mentioned […]
DRC declared Ebola-free // Reblog
A few weeks ago, we gave you an overview of the 2014 Ebola crisis – including the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In the past week, DRC was declared free of Ebola. The virus killed 49 people there during a three-month outbreak, and has reportedly now been contained. + + DR Congo declares itself Ebola […]
Kony 101 // What are some lesser-known consequences of the LRA?
In addition to the constant threat of attack and abduction, the LRA has presented vulnerable communities in central Africa with numerous institutional challenges. In recent years, the LRA’s survival strategies have shifted towards looting and stealing crops – threatening these communities’ food security on a huge scale. In fact, one of the worst consequences of the LRA’s […]
More Breaking News // 12 men, women and children escape LRA captivity
We have so much to celebrate this week. In addition to Wednesday’s exciting announcement that 26 women and children were released from the LRA, we just received even more news from our staff in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): On August 27, 12 more people regained their freedom and escaped LRA captivity! These men, women and children reportedly […]
On the Radar // 12 abducted in DR Congo
The Incident: August 5, LRA forces attacked Zangabai, DRC around 5:30 in the evening. They looted several homes, taking food, clothing and other items. They also abducted 12 civilians from the community – 6 men, 5 women, and an 11-year-old girl. This group was used as porters and trackers, forced to crush rice paddy and […]
Reblog from The Resolve // Healing their image: Congolese perceptions of MONUSCO
The following article is reblogged from Paul Ronan and our partners at The Resolve. Since its founding in 2007, The Resolve LRA Crisis Initiative has worked to end violent atrocities perpetrated by the LRA and to support the sustainable recovery of communities in East and central Africa affected by LRA abuses. Ronan’s recent article about MONUSCO troops (UN peacekeeping mission) in Democratic Republic […]
More Breaking News: 33 women and children freed from LRA
We just received confirmation that on Sunday (August 10th), a group of 33 women and children were released by the LRA in Digba, Democratic Republic of Congo (DCR). Their ages and years in captivity vary, with the youngest of the returnees being a one week old baby. This is in ADDITION to the 13 women and children who came […]
Reblog // Masculinity and violence in DR Congo
In 2011, Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) was named the worst place in the world to be a woman. According to the statistics, 48 women are raped every hour in DR Congo. And it’s believed that many rapes go unreported. While this trend of sexual violence in conflict is often discussed as a women’s issue, the perpetrators […]
Massive defection of rebels in DR Congo // Why it matters
First, let’s lay some groundwork. Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is roughly the size of Europe. You read that right, one country that is the size of a continent — pretty amazing. The area in which LRA forces operate is in the far northeast of the country. Within the same region (eastern DR Congo) […]