African Ministers in Rabat Praise Morocco’s Efforts to Combat the Exploitation of Children in Armed Conflicts
Ministers and heads of delegations attending the African Ministerial Conference on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) of child soldiers hailed, on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco’s efforts to promote a collective response aimed at ending the recruitment and exploitation of children in armed conflicts across Africa.
The initiative of the Kingdom of Morocco to host this ministerial conference holds significant importance, stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Sering Modou Njie, highlighting the content of the Rabat Declaration which concluded the work of this meeting.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Njie expressed Gambia’s full support for the Rabat Declaration, which reaffirms the strengthening of commitments to combat the recruitment of children in armed conflicts in Africa, affirming that his country will work closely with Morocco on DDR-related issues.
He also stressed that the demobilization and reintegration of child soldiers remain a major humanitarian priority, particularly for the African continent.
For her part, Liberia’s Minister of National Defense, Geraldine Janet George, emphasized the relevance of Morocco’s initiative, noting that Africa must mobilize to find solutions to the phenomenon of child soldiers.
The future of the continent depends on its youth, she stated, expressing deep gratitude to the Kingdom for hosting this event which will help outline the next steps to eradicate the recruitment of children across Africa.
Meanwhile, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, George Chaponda, praised Morocco’s initiative to organize this DDR-focused gathering, noting that his country is working to strengthen support, rehabilitation and protection mechanisms for children affected by armed conflict.
These children need protection, education and professional training, he insisted, calling for coordinated action to reinforce the continent’s shared efforts.
Held under the theme “Building Sustainable Pathways for Children Affected by Armed Conflict,” this first-of-its-kind initiative in Africa marks a crucial moment, a structuring step and a political push aimed at reinforcing collective African action for the protection of children.
Editorial team/le7tv
