Ground-breaking progress has been marked after the armed groups in Central Africa Republic conflict agreed to let free all the children soldiers under their fold. The militias have reached an agreement with United Nations Children’s Fund that puts an end to child recruitment into the militia.
UNICEF has reported that the Central Africa Republic conflict has created one of the worst yet least visible humanitarian crises of recent times and hopes that the agreement reached will be effected.
The Central Africa Republic conflict has been characterized by violence since a Muslim rebel group took power in March 2013. The group known as Seleka group was overthrown prompting retaliation against the Muslim population of the republic forcing thousands to flee their homes.
The agreement that protects especially the children was reached after a week of talks at the Central Africa Republic Capital Bangui that brought together politicians, armed groups leaders, religious leaders and UN officials. The agreement also includes a week-long national reconciliation that is the pilot step in the end of the Central Africa Republic Conflict.
UNICEF expects a complete a timetable that will be used to release the children and at the same time requires access to the areas under the control of the armed groups. The children will be exposed to very long rehabilitation processes targeted at helping them deal with the trauma of war.
This reconciliation precedes the Central Africa Republic elections that will put the nail to the Central Africa Republic conflict coffin. Bangui and the UN have exuded a lot of confidence that the reconciliation week will lead to a long lasting peaceful, democratic and calm elections.
