On September 24, 2026, nearly 20 African countries began signing the African Convention on the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of Child Soldiers in New York. The signing ceremony took place at the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom to the United Nations, on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 81st session of the General Assembly. The convention aims to strengthen African cooperation in preventing the recruitment and exploitation of children in armed conflicts.
The new agreement is a major step forward in protecting children in conflict zones. It provides a framework for countries to share experiences and best practices in disarming, demobilizing, and reintegrating child soldiers. The convention also seeks to prevent the recruitment of children into armed groups and promote sustainable reintegration into their communities. This development has been hailed as a significant achievement in the fight against child exploitation.
The signing of the convention is part of a broader process launched in Rabat in November 2025. The process included a ministerial conference on disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of child soldiers, which adopted the "Rabat Declaration". This was followed by consultations with African experts specializing in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration operations. The convention is expected to strengthen international efforts to protect children in conflict zones.
The African Convention on the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of Child Soldiers is a historic achievement for the continent. It demonstrates the commitment of African countries to protecting children from exploitation and ensuring their reintegration into society. The convention is also seen as a significant step forward in promoting peace and security in Africa.
Morocco's Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, hailed the convention as a testament to African collective action. He emphasized that the agreement reflects Africa's confidence in its own capacities and its determination to address the challenges facing the continent. The convention is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of child soldiers in Africa.
The convention will provide a framework for African countries to address the issue of child soldiers. It will encourage countries to share their experiences and expertise in disarming, demobilizing, and reintegrating child soldiers. This will help to prevent the recruitment of children into armed groups and promote sustainable reintegration into their communities.
The adoption of the convention has been welcomed by the international community. It is seen as a significant step forward in protecting children in conflict zones and promoting peace and security in Africa. The convention will come into effect once it has been ratified by the required number of countries.
Key points
- The African Convention on the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of Child Soldiers was signed by nearly 20 African countries in New York on September 24, 2026.
- The convention aims to strengthen African cooperation in preventing the recruitment and exploitation of children in armed conflicts.
- The agreement provides a framework for countries to share experiences and best practices in disarming, demobilizing, and reintegrating child soldiers.
