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First of all what is the proper definition of a Child
Soldier? It is easy to describe. A Child Soldier is basically anyone under the age of 18 that is an active participant in
an Armed Conflict.
Of the Eight Countries that were found to have either actively used or
recruited Child Soldiers the following African Countries made the list.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Rwanda
Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville)
Central African Republic
Chad
Uganda
The American Military Spends Millions of Dollars in these Countries. Should
we spend money where Children have their Lives Stolen?
The United States has sought to protect Children in War Zones. But it appears on the surface that this may
not be entirely accurate.
There have been some movement in Conflicts where Child Soldiers have played a Prominent
Role.
A Peace deal Between the Lord's Resistance Army and the Ugandan Government is expected
to be signed at any moment.
Attempts to rein in the Various Militias in the Eastern DRC Continue at this time.
A EU Peacekeeping Mission is moving into place along the border between Chad and Sudan.
Sadly there is no credible Information regarding the CAR.
Here are the DOD Aid Requests that are
expected for FY'09:
Chad $275,000
DRC $500,000
Uganda $ 500,000
Sudan $ 300,000
Sources: Center for Defense Information and the US State Department
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