Children who are conscripted in the army would now taste the glimpse of homely atmosphere. According to authorities of the UN, radical leaders in the Central African Republic have agreed to begin sending several hundred child soldiers home to their families.
Thus, in effect of the mentioned proposal, the rebel Union of Democratic Forces Coalition would sign an agreement with the UN agency in the pursuing days.
It could be anticipated that proposal would set free, nearly, 500 children from the clutches of the so- called army.
Central African Republic has suffered decades of army revolts, coups and rebellions since it gained independence from France in 1960. Poor and landlocked, it is governed by President Francois Bozize, who came to power in a 2003 rebel war that ousted his predecessor.
Child soldiers
According to a report, more than 120,000 children under 18 years of age are currently participating in armed conflicts across Africa. Some of these children are no more than 7 or 8 years of age.
Child soldiers were used extensively by government forces and rebel groups during the 12-year civil war that began in 2003. Children as young as 10 worked as fighters, spies and domestic workers, some groups abducted girls into sexual slavery.
In addition to the obvious risks to children of participation in armed conflict - which apply equally to adults - children are often at an added disadvantage as combatants. As a result of being widely perceived to be dispensable commodities, they tend to receive little or no training before being thrust into the front line. Reports from Burundi and Congo-Brazzaville suggest that they are often massacred in combat as a result.
If only domestic legislation were always respected in practice, the problem of child soldiers in Africa would be significantly reduced. Now, time will only tell, how far the so called deal between the authorities would come into effect.
