Child soldiers: an end in sight for Africa?

Abstract

This paper discusses the problem of child soldiering, specifically the child soldiering occurring on the continent of Africa. It gives a detailed overview of all aspects of child soldiering and the conflicts involving child soldiers in African countries. This paper explores the push-pull factors that lead children to become child soldiers. It follows these child soldiers from life within the armed group to life upon leaving the armed group, where upon these children enter rehabilitation centers, and finally seek reintegration back into society. It also looks at the reasons for some of the conflicts involving child soldiers, pointing out how part of this crisis stems from colonialism. This paper also asks the question of how to stop this crisis, and examines what developed nations are doing to stop child soldiering while claiming that the ultimate responsibility for the issue lies within Africa.