UNICEF estimates that the number of child soldiers in the Central African Republic has increased significantly since the coup of March 2013. Currently, it is feared there are 6000 among the ranks of the Séléka ex-rebels, as well as among other rebel groups.
The fate of these children, sometimes as young as 8 years old, exemplifies the brutally of the conflict: they are both victims and main players in the story, and they cannot escape the cycle of violence.
The situation is exacerbated by the flight of civilians. In the confusion, children find themselves alone, separated from their parents. Those lost children are vulnerable: isolated and without protection, on the street or in refugee camps. They are defenceless against abuse and violence, particularly against forced enlistment from armed groups. In order to remedy the situation, some NGOs pay special attention in refugee camps in order to promptly spot youngsters so they can be placed in welcoming environments. But the always-increasing flow of refugees makes it ever harder.
A 2013 Human Rights Watch report in French documents war crimes, especially against women, children and the elderly. Consequently, the country borders on chaos despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers and the French military, which has not eased the fear of genocide. With half of the population of the Central African Republic less than 18 years of age, the situation is a bad omen for the future of these children.
Written by: Henintsoa Ravoala Translated by: Denis Gingras Proofread by :May Buchmuller |
