Vocational training supports ex-child soldiers in CAR's Haute-Kotto
Original framing: “NGO helps child soldiers to reintegrate in Central African Republic” — Africa News
Child soldiering in CAR has deep historical roots, linked to colonial legacies of resource extraction and underdevelopment. Past conflicts in the region, such as the 2013 coup and subsequent sectarian violence, have created conditions where children are easily recruited. Historical parallels include the use of child soldiers in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
The reintegration of former child soldiers in CAR cannot be reduced to vocational training alone.
It requires a systemic approach that addresses the political economy of conflict, the role of armed groups, and the historical and cultural context of the region. Indigenous knowledge systems, community-based models, and cross-cultural insights all point to the need for holistic, locally led solutions. By integrating education, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support, and by amplifying the voices of former child soldiers and marginalized groups, CAR can move toward sustainable peace and reintegration. The role of NGOs must be re-evaluated to ensure they complement rather than replace local capacities.