The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission (MINUSCA) in the Central African Republic popularly has condemned the continued recruitment of child soldiers by armed groups in the country.
Speaking during a press briefing, Vladimir Monteiro, the MINUSCA spokesperson revealed that there are 256 child soldiers within the ranks of Front populaire pour la renaissance de Centrafrique (FPRC) in Birao alone.
Among these are 94 girls, Monteiro said.
He stated that there are another 10 child soldiers within the ranks of the anti-Balaka in Bria in the centre-east of the country.
These children, Monteiro revealed, were recruited between 2016 and 2020 and they perform the duties of combatants, informants, messengers, cooks and carriers.
The UN official said the documentation of these recruitments was carried out by the MINUSCA unit for the protection of children from November 20 to December 3, 2020 adding that these constitute serious violations of the rights of minors.
Meanwhile, 48 hours after incidents that resulted in the death of some rebels of the Union for Peace in the Central African Republic (UPC) in Bambari, tension remains high between the national army and UPC rebel units based in the town.
Sources in Bambari told HumAngle last evening that in the night of Tuesday December 8 after the clashes (earlier reported by HumAngle), between the national army and UPC rebels led by Ali Darrassa, the mercenary of Chadian nationality has continued to reinforce his positions in Bambari.
The self-proclaimed general is reported to have brought in heavy reinforcements from Bokolobo and Bria in Upper Kotto.
The reinforcements came by pick-ups and motor bikes.
At the same time, heavily armed soldiers of the Central African Republic national army have also been arriving Bambari to reinforce their positions in the town and have been patrolling the town to reassure the traumatised people of their security.
It should be recalled that after the clashes of last Monday in Bambari, a town which the United Nations has declared to be arms-free, the Blue Helmets of the MINUSCA forces continue to ensure the protection of national institutions in the town.
The UN troops have also increased their patrols both in the day and at night.
Support Our Journalism
There are millions of ordinary people affected by conflict in Africa whose stories are missing in the mainstream media. HumAngle is determined to tell those challenging and under-reported stories, hoping that the people impacted by these conflicts will find the safety and security they deserve.
To ensure that we continue to provide public service coverage, we have a small favour to ask you. We want you to be part of our journalistic endeavour by contributing a token to us.
Your donation will further promote a robust, free, and independent media.
Donate Here
