Joseph Kony and
the LRA in Eastern Congo 2009
Democratic
Republic of Congo
November 8, 2008 Lord Kony’s (LRA) rebels first attacked Aba and the UN (Monuc) removed its six unarmed “observers” in helicopters, never to return. The only way to arrive in Aba was by motorbike through a 100 miles of slithering mud, being submerged in massive puddles, pounded upon by torrential rain between spells of steamy hot-house heat and exist in a state of hyper-vigilance since the LRA attacked the day I arrived, August 5, 2009
-- Candace Scharsu
The homes of the abducted are indefensible, like this home of Victor Pamba. Armed LRA rebels smash in its flimsy door with rifle butts, demanding that the children be sent outside; or they knock, holding lit torches outside, shouting, “Send your children out or you all burn alive inside." -- Candace Scharsu
Ghost Town of Aba: Unkempt, flora takes over the unoccupied Belgian colonial buildings; schools closed; rebels looted Nyalanya hospital and killed Pastor Tagamile Michael, closing his church; and a general exodus to Sudan ensued. A few brave souls remained along with desperate squatters who occupy abandoned homes and buildings. Whispers of where the LRA last attacked, or whose children they took, are all that shatter the oppressive silence.
-- Candace Scharsu
Tokosa Madaleine, age 12 and Mondiyo Munialeko, age 15 were abducted by Joseph Kony's LRA together on March 18, 2009, along with both of their sisters, Benadette Meli and Aroyo Pamba, and seven other children from their village. Only Tokosa and Mondiyo survived this nightmare.
-- Candace Scharsu
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