Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kampala (Agenzia Fides) - Known for the kidnappings of children that are exploited as soldiers, the Lord's Resistance Army, since 1986, has maintained a war of opposition against the Government of Uganda. The rebels enter the homes at night and abduct children, easy prey because they are not able to return home alone, are disciplined and strictly comply with the rules. During the night many of these young children seek help in shelters that are situated in distant cities of the Central African Republic and they are the only shelters that can protect them. In a documentary titled "Good Night, Ouma", tells the story of the young Ugandan commuters that due to the fear of being abducted by the rebels take refuge in "Noah's Ark", a specialized center for their protection especially during the most critical hours of the day. During all these years of war, more than 150,000 people have died and nearly 2 million have been forced to live in refugee camps. In the world there are between 250,000 and 300,000 child soldiers who unfortunately do not go to school, are forced to fight and are mistreated. Currently the three African countries where these young victims are concentrated are: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and South Sudan. (AP)(Agenzia Fides 19/09/2013)
