Central African Republic to release 400 child soldiers
United Nations officials said on Friday that rebel leaders in the Central African Republic had agreed to begin sending 400 child soldiers home to their families.
Contacted by telephone in his rebel stronghold of Gordil, 280 miles (450 kilometers) from Bangui, Zakaria confirmed that the rebel Union of Democratic Forces Coalition was prepared to sign an agreement with the U.N. agency in coming days. He estimates that roughly 500 children will be freed as a result of the accord.
“The liberation of these child soldiers will be a good thing for the rebellion because we want all of them to go back to school or learn a job,” Zakaria said.
UNICEF spokeswoman Anne Boher applauded the agreement, noting that the Central African Republic had not even signed an international accord meant to end the use of children as soldiers.
“This move signals a voluntary step on the part of armed groups in CAR toward respecting children’s rights,” she said.
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