Soldiers of the dissident CNDP (National Congress for the Defense of the People) training. They are renowned for their discipline. The first free elections in four decades, held in 2006, did not put an end to violence and instability in the country. The process of integrating rebel militia into the national army remained delicate.

Refugees whose homes have been burned seek shelter in the Convent of Fataki. The first free elections in four decades, held in 2006, did not put an end to violence and instability in the country. With no clear winner in the presidential vote, forces loyal to the two candidates continued to clash. Years of conflict have led to the displacement of thousands of civilians.

As soldiers of the national FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo) are paid very little, they plunder a local population already weakened by years of war. The first free elections in four decades, held in 2006, did not put an end to violence and instability in the country. With no clear winner in the presidential vote, forces loyal to the two candidates clashed, and regional unrest continued.

Dissident general Laurent Nkunda poses at his headquarters in a province particularly affected by unrest. The first free elections in four decades, held in 2006, did not put an end to violence and instability in the country. With no clear winner in the presidential vote, opposing sides continued to clash. The process of integrating rebel militia into the national army remained delicate.

Soldiers at General Nkunda's headquarters gather for morning prayers. The general is also a priest. The first free elections in four decades, held in 2006, did not put an end to violence and instability in the country. With no clear winner in the presidential vote, opposing sides continued to clash. The process of integrating rebel militia into the national army remained delicate.

A child soldier of the FNI (Nationalist and Integrationist Front) arrives at the Kpandroma transit camp to be demobilized. The first free elections in four decades did not put an end to violence and instability in the country. The process of integrating rebel militia into the national army remained delicate. Despite demobilization of child soldiers, a significant number remained active in the bush.

Child soldiers of the FNI (Nationalist and Integrationist Front) wait at the Kpandroma transit camp after being demobilized. The first free elections in four decades did not put an end to violence and instability in the country. The process of integrating rebel militia into the national army remained delicate. Despite demobilization of child soldiers, a significant number remained active in the bush

Bullets are removed from the leg of a civilian victim of conflict. He has already had an arm amputated. The first free elections in four decades, held in 2006, did not put an end to violence and instability in the country. With no clear winner in the presidential vote, opposing sides continued to clash. The process of integrating rebel militia into the national army remained delicate.

The Muzipela cemetery. The first free elections in four decades, held in 2006, did not put an end to violence and instability in the country. With no clear winner in the presidential vote, opposing sides continued to clash. An estimated four million people have died in hostilities since 1998, making it the world's most lethal conflict since World War II.

A pastor conducts a healing session at the Church of the Body of Christ. The first free elections in four decades, held in 2006, did not put an end to violence and instability in the country. One consequence of the long-term conflict is a fervent following for Pentecostal churches, which offer fast solutions to people whose lives have been torn apart by social and economic collapse.

A child waits for food distribution at a nutrition center. The first free elections in four decades, held in 2006, did not put an end to violence and instability in the country. With no clear winner in the presidential vote, forces loyal to the two candidates continued to clash. Years of conflict have led to the displacement of thousands of civilians.

Internally displaced people (IDP) assemble at the Bulengo IDP camp. The first free elections in four decades, held in 2006, did not put an end to violence and instability in the country. With no clear winner in the presidential vote, forces loyal to the two candidates continued to clash. Years of conflict have led to the displacement of thousands of civilians.

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