VSF Suisse, South Sudan

An ex-child soldier stands with his cows in Leer county, Unity State, South Sudan

In 2012 I worked with the NGO VSF Suisse to document their work in the worlds newest country, South Sudan. While there I discovered an incredible country, quite unlike anywhere else I have ever been. Full of Wonderfull human beings with lives full of stories of resilience, facing fundamental challenges to their peace and security. But at the same time living in a relationship with nature that is rarely seen on the planet today.

The donated livestock provide for the ex child combatants in many ways, not only do they give milk and meat; but also enable them to be accepted in society, which is difficult if you do not own livestock.

Patrick and Kamal were forced into labor for the south Sudanese rebel army during the long running conflict. Like many children they were taken from their homes at a very young age and given domestic tasks such as feeding the soldiers and washing their clothes.

The people of the remote county are incredibly self sufficient, even though the state harbors vast oil deposits the population rely on subsistence agriculture.

As part of the charity VSF Suisse’sReintegration of Former Child Soldiers project (RECAAF) they have been given livestock and seeds for crops, this will hopefully help to break the cycles of endemic conflict.

Rehabilitated child soldiers are integrated back into the communities they come from even if it is not possible to return to their own families, there is great camaraderie amongst them.