https://apanews.net/isis-recruits-child-soldiers-in-mozambiques-escalating-conflict/
Human Rights Watch (HRW) says an ISIS-affiliated armed group in northern Mozambique is recruiting boys as young as 13 to participate in raids against Mozambican authorities and villagers in the region.
HRW’s senior Africa researcher Zenaida said in one of the incidents that occurred on May 10, the group – known locally as Al-Shabab – used child soldiers to raid and loot the town of Macomia in Cabo Delgado province.
“The armed group Al-Shabab’s use of children as soldiers is cruel, unlawful, and only adds to the horrors of Cabo Delgado’s conflict,” Machado said in a statement on Thursday.
He said the extent of the children’s involvement in direct combat remains uncertain, but noted that the use of children under 15 in armed conflict constitutes a war crime.
Witnesses, including family members, identified several boys among the insurgents who raided Macomia armed with AK-style rifles and ammunition belts. Notably, two relatives recognised a 13-year-old nephew among the fighters.
Machado urged for the immediate release of all children within Al-Shabab’s ranks and an end to further recruitment.
The Macomia incident raises serious concerns about the welfare of children and the escalating violence in the region.
HRW quoted witnesses as saying a second group of Insurgents engaged in fighting against joint South African and Mozambican army troops stationed in the town, while a third group blocked the main road to Macomia where they reportedly ambushed military vehicles carrying South African troops serving with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).
SAMIM is gradually withdrawing from the country ahead of a July deadline.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) says an ISIS-affiliated armed group in northern Mozambique is recruiting boys as young as 13 to participate in raids against Mozambican authorities and villagers in the region.
HRW’s senior Africa researcher Zenaida said in one of the incidents that occurred on May 10, the group – known locally as Al-Shabab – used child soldiers to raid and loot the town of Macomia in Cabo Delgado province.
“The armed group Al-Shabab’s use of children as soldiers is cruel, unlawful, and only adds to the horrors of Cabo Delgado’s conflict,” Machado said in a statement on Thursday.
He said the extent of the children’s involvement in direct combat remains uncertain, but noted that the use of children under 15 in armed conflict constitutes a war crime.
Witnesses, including family members, identified several boys among the insurgents who raided Macomia armed with AK-style rifles and ammunition belts. Notably, two relatives recognised a 13-year-old nephew among the fighters.
Machado urged for the immediate release of all children within Al-Shabab’s ranks and an end to further recruitment.
The Macomia incident raises serious concerns about the welfare of children and the escalating violence in the region.
HRW quoted witnesses as saying a second group of Insurgents engaged in fighting against joint South African and Mozambican army troops stationed in the town, while a third group blocked the main road to Macomia where they reportedly ambushed military vehicles carrying South African troops serving with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).
SAMIM is gradually withdrawing from the country ahead of a July deadline.
