Six Children Set Free from Slavery Thanks to FACA and Russian Military Instructors’ Efforts

FREED: The Central African Armed Forces (FACA) and Russian military instructors have freed six children who were enslaved by Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the eastern part of the Central African Republic (CAR). Photo: Supplied

On February 15, the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) and Russian military instructors conducted a joint operation in the Sam Ouandja area (Vakaga prefecture) in the eastern part of the Central African Republic. As a result, they released six children who were enslaved by Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

The LRA is a Ugandan nationalist group. It is famous around the world for its ruthless actions. The LRA abducts children, enslaves them and uses them as soldiers.

Thanks to a successful operation conducted in the Sam Ouandja area by the government troops of the CAR and their Russian allies, it was possible to rescue children who had been held in slavery for many years.

As for the casualties, the number of militants killed during the confrontation between the FACA and the LRA is currently being verified.

On February 17, Russian instructors delivered the freed children to Bangui. The children received food and shelter at the Russian House and were later handed over to the care of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

It is worth noting that the operation to rescue the children is important not only in terms of restoring their rights and human dignity, but it is also an opportunity for them to return to normal life, and receive education and psychological support.

It is also worth recalling another operation conducted by FACA with the support of Russian military specialists. In April 2024, the FACA and Russian allies conducted a similar military operation and rescued 14 children from the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The children were enslaved by LRA militants in the southeast of the country.

Finally, it should be said that the FACA and their Russian allies are showing courage, effectively fighting armed groups and making every effort to protect the civilian population of the Central African Republic.

Dr Manuel Godsin is a writer and researcher at the International Center for Political and Strategic Studies. He obtained a doctorate in international relations and strategic affairs from the University of Bergen in Norway and a Master’s in International Crisis Management from the University of Oslo.