A look at Poverty in the Congo

This picture displays a war orphan named mugisa who has several machete scars on the top of his head. Mugisa was left for dead after a lendu militiaman hacked his mother and seven siblings to death. This picture surprises me, because when i normally think of war i dont think of children being harmed and killed. It surprises me that the militiamen have no mercy. Picture taken by (REUTERS/Finbarr O'Reilly)

In this picture, a boy is standing with a gun posing while ready to defend his village from attacks. He is part of a local defense force in his village of Bangadi. Like in the last picture, i am surprised at the contents of this one. Just like i said before, i normally dont think of children being involved in a war or battle. This kid doesnt look like he is out of his teens yet, but he is part of his villages defense group and carrying a gun around. Its really surprising. (REUTERS/Finbarr O'Reilly)

This picture displays local defense fighters in the village of Bangadi in February 18, 2009, just like the teen in the last picture.They have armed their defense force with local made weopons, and have repelled two LRA attacks who have killed 900 Congolese citizens since December. I respect thiese people, and when faced with destruction and death they stare it in the eye and fight back. I respect the courage they have when fighting the LRA. (REUTERS/Finbarr O'Reilly)