Urgent appeal for African armed forces to shield children from violence

A Regional Course on Preventing Child Recruitment in Armed Conflicts Concludes

A two-week regional course focused on preventing child recruitment in armed conflicts recently concluded in Musanze, urging participants to move beyond theoretical knowledge and take action to restore Africa’s moral responsibility in protecting its children from the horrors of war. The event, hosted at the Rwanda Peace Academy (RPA), brought together 25 military and police officers from Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Eastern Africa Standby Force Headquarters.

The course was jointly organized by the Ministry of Defence, Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, and the Rwanda Peace Academy. During the closing ceremony, Méthode Ruzindana, Head of Research at the RPA, addressed the participants on behalf of the academy’s director. He emphasized the importance of reflecting on African values that once placed children at the heart of society.

“Children are not meant to suffer, be killed, or used in committing atrocities,” Ruzindana said. “When a child is born, we celebrate and nurture them to become good citizens. My question to you is, where did we go wrong?”

He reminded the participants, who are now certified trainers under the Dallaire Institute, that protecting children must go beyond policy and become a lived principle within the security sector. “If we truly believe in the future of our societies and in Africa’s Agenda 2063, the work shouldn’t start today; it should have started yesterday,” he said. “Children are the true reflection of our development and stability.”

Over the past two weeks, the officers explored the dynamics of modern conflict, the pathways that expose children to armed violence, and the legal and institutional frameworks to prevent such recruitment. Facilitators from DR Congo, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Uganda guided discussions, practical exercises, and case studies illustrating the impact of war on children.

The Dallaire Institute, named after Canadian humanitarian Lt Gen (Rtd) Roméo Dallaire, has trained more than 80 security officers across Africa to serve as trainers in child protection. The Rwanda-based center of excellence continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the children, peace, and security agenda across the continent.

Ruzindana congratulated the new graduates, describing them as “ambassadors of change,” and encouraged them to use their new roles to transfer knowledge within their home institutions and missions abroad. “The real work begins now,” he said. “You have been equipped not just with skills, but with the responsibility to ensure no child is ever forced into violence again.”

The Dallaire Institute and its partners plan to continue offering follow-up mentorship and create communities of practice for ongoing collaboration among trained officers.

Key Takeaways from the Training Program

• Focus on African Values: The training emphasized the need to reconnect with traditional African values that prioritize the well-being of children.
• Practical Learning: Participants engaged in discussions, practical exercises, and case studies to understand the real-world impact of child recruitment.
• Legal Frameworks: The program highlighted the importance of legal and institutional mechanisms to prevent child recruitment in armed conflicts.
• Mentorship and Collaboration: Ongoing support and collaboration among trained officers will be essential to sustain the progress made during the course.

The Role of the Dallaire Institute

The Dallaire Institute has been instrumental in training security officers across Africa to become advocates for child protection. Its work aligns with global efforts to safeguard children in conflict zones, including the UN Security Council’s resolution to protect children in armed conflict.

By equipping officers with the necessary tools and knowledge, the institute aims to foster a culture of accountability and responsibility within the security sector. This approach ensures that child protection is not just a policy goal but a lived commitment.

Moving Forward

As the participants return to their respective countries, they carry with them the responsibility to implement what they have learned. Their role as ambassadors of change is crucial in shaping a future where children are protected from the devastating effects of war.

The success of this course underscores the importance of regional cooperation and shared commitment to child protection. It also highlights the need for continuous education and support to ensure that the lessons learned are translated into meaningful action.