On September 23, 2006, over 20 African nations gathered in New York to sign the African Convention on the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of Child Soldiers. The ceremony, presided over by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, marked a significant milestone in the continent's efforts to combat the use of child soldiers. The convention aims to prevent and combat the recruitment of children into armed groups and ensure their integration into disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration processes.
The convention is the first-ever instrument of its kind in Africa, providing a framework for regional cooperation to address the issue of child soldiers. According to Minister Bourita, the convention demonstrates Africa's capacity to create its own norms rather than importing them. He emphasized that the instrument is a result of an inclusive African process, developed through contributions from governments, experts, and stakeholders.
The convention seeks to strengthen collective capacities and promote African responses tailored to the continent's realities. It provides a platform for exchanging experiences, sharing best practices, and facilitating mutual learning among states. The instrument addresses the intersection of peace and security and child protection in conflict situations, offering measures to combat the scourge of child soldiers and promote sustainable reintegration into society.
The signing of the convention is part of an inclusive process initiated in Rabat during the Ministerial Conference on Child-Centered Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration on November 20, 2025. The conference led to the adoption of the Rabat Declaration, followed by consultations with African experts specializing in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration processes.
The convention has been hailed as a demonstration of Africa's collective action, speaking with one voice and confident in its own capabilities. Minister Bourita emphasized that the instrument is a testament to Africa's ability to address its own challenges and develop solutions tailored to its needs.
The African Convention on the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of Child Soldiers is expected to play a crucial role in protecting children in conflict situations. The instrument will provide a framework for African nations to work together to prevent the recruitment and exploitation of children in armed conflicts and ensure their sustainable reintegration into society.
The signing of the convention marks a significant step forward in Africa's efforts to address the issue of child soldiers. With its implementation, African nations can work together to combat the scourge of child soldiers and promote sustainable peace and security on the continent.
Key points
- African nations sign landmark convention to combat child soldiers
- The convention provides a framework for regional cooperation to address the issue of child soldiers
- The instrument aims to promote sustainable reintegration of child soldiers into society
