Two new working papers on (the history of) children in armed groups in Central African Republic

In discussions about conflict in Africa the role of youth and minors is discussed often in a frame of victimhood. In a study funded by UNICEF, a team of researchers based at the African Studies Centre Leiden and in the Anthropology Department of the Univerisity of Bangui have tried to understand the realities behind this phenomenon of 'child soldier'. Through life story interviews done in several regions in Central African Republic and in the capital Bangui, and through archival work they paint a picture of the history and more recent situation of children in war-zones.

Read more about working paper 148 Slaves, virgin concubines, eunuchs, gun-boys, community defenders, child soldiers: the historical enlistment and use of children by armed groups in the Central African Republic.

Read more about working paper 149 "Ceux qui combattent beaucoup sans peur, qui tuent sans pitié": effets du recrutement d'enfants de moins de 15 ans par les Anti-Balaka (2013-2014)

Authors: Marius Crépin Mouguia, Jonna Both and Mirjam de Bruijn

Photo credit: UNICEF Netherlands.