Former child soldiers in Congo face tough return to civilian life

Between 3,000 and 5,000 children become combatants each year, according to the Monusco estimate, and Cajed says that between five and 10 percent are girls. Photo: Visualhunt.com

Some of the Democratic Republic of Congo's former child soldiers have become traders, hairdressers and tailors, but many struggle to recover a normal life.

Dreams of becoming a farmer or teacher run up against tough conditions in a society deeply afflicted by unemployment and poverty.