The Hypocrisy Surrounding the Use of Child Soldiers

Let me preface this post by saying that I am completely against the use of child soldiers.

That being said, I can not continue to ignore the overwhelming hypocrisy surrounding discourse around the use of child soldiers throughout the world. The recruitment of young people in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America are constantly portrayed as involuntary conscription by rebels and other undisciplined violent factions. However, it is a fact that many young people join the army and non-formal militant groups because they feel they have not other options considering their socioeconomic condition. This is almost always the underlying grievance of militant groups who wage war.
But for some reason this phenomenon is never linked or compared to the recruitment of soldiers in the US. It is a fact that military recruiters go to impoverished and lower income areas in order to recruit young people, especially school drop outs of upcoming high school graduates with no prospect for the future. Is it not the same conception of a lack of resources and a bleak socioeconomic situation that spurs their interest in the army.
Of course I know age is always considered an issue, but in the US, tens of thousands of high school students are trained in ROTC programs starting at the age of 14 and then shuffled into the army after they graduate high school. Also, comparatively speaking young people in developing countries mature far faster than those in the US and may even become the head of their households or breadwinners in their families at 13 or 14. Recruitment into militant groups is seen as a better opportunity for them as it is seen as one for young American soldiers.
I would say that a grave difference is the benefits that American soldiers receive, but considering the number of homeless veterans in the US, I no longer deem it fair to even make that argument.
Ultimately, I think that it is very important to stop isolating issues that exist abroad, especially in developing countries. The best way to solve issues is to analyze them comparatively and apply lessons learned. The recruitment and conscription of young people into armed factions is not due to desire, but a lack of more favorable opportunities. Perhaps, we should focus our efforts on making these opportunities available for young people discouraging and preventing those who are more vulnerable from being conscripted and recruited.

Relevant Post

Who Will Protect Civilians from Aid Workers and Peacekeepers

In recent weeks, UN peacekeeping soldiers, especially those in the Congo, have been scrutinized for their behavior in these volatile zones. It has been a difficult subject to broach because the work that peacekeepers do is appreciated and necessary, however, it is completely unfair and immoral to ignore the abuse of power by some soldiers. Their intent is to serve and protect citizens caught in the middle of violent conflicts that have left many of them homeless and without basic sustenance. Unfortunately some soldiers use this as a means to fulfill perverse desires and take advantage of innocent women and children.
Alarmingly, it doesnt end there. Now aid workers have also been implicated in participating in this inexplicable behavior. The most recent report released by Save the Children UK states that children as young as 6 have been forced to have sex with aid workers and peacekeepers in exchange for food and money.

In the report, "No One To Turn To" a 15-year-old girl from Haiti told researchers: "My friends and I were walking by the National Palace one evening when we encountered a couple of humanitarian men. The men called us over and showed us their penises.
"They offered us 100 Haitian gourdes ($2.80) and some chocolate if we would suck them. I said, 'No,' but some of the girls did it and got the money."

Peacekeeping violations do not only include sexual abuses, in Mogadishu, peacekeepers have been accused of selling arms to rebels.

So the question is, who will hold these groups responsible for their violations?

A few weeks ago, the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services launched an investigation into allegations of abuse by peacekeeping soldiers in the Congo, but the chance of anyone being persecuted for these crimes is very slim. Even a former investigator for the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services had to resign and blow the whistle on the illicit activity rampant in the Congo. Mathias Basanisi asserts that Pakistani peacekeeping officers were corroborating with rebels in the Congo, exchanging classified information and weapons for gold. However, his reports went ignored though there was evidence and witness testimonies.
Unfortunately in peacekeeping situations, the ends too often justify the means. Victims will rarely speak up against their perpetrators for fear that they will be left without protection and resources. However, international governing bodies and agencies have to be held accountable for their workers. Reports of sexual abuse cannot be ignored.
I remember when a well respected professor of mine insinuated that HIV/AIDS was spread to West Africa in the 90s after the deployment of peacekeeping forces in Liberia and Sierra Leone. This theory is proven even more real today. The mandate of the right to protect should not just focus on the initial perpetrators of violence, but should encapsulate every aspect of conflict and emergency situations, including actors providing resources for the most vulnerable groups.

Union Government for Africa

In a quest to accelerate political and economic integration in Africa, 12 countries are meeting in Arusha to deliberate on a proposed Union Government for Africa. Member states set to attend are Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Libya, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, South Africa and Tanzania.
A union of this kind excites me for several reason. I hope that African leaders can begin to hold themselves accountable for democratic issues and human rights violations occurring in their countries, as there would be a direct effect on their economic stability and that of others in the union. I can only see such a union making countries stronger and making other African countries (especially those not in the union) less dependent on Western aid. I also hope that it would encourage a more communal spirit between nations. Though, I notice the only countries represented in the union that have a a bit of conflict are Cameroon and Nigeria (though it has been moderated through the ICC and has been fairly small scale), I would hope that a union such as this would help to reduce, if not obliterate violent conflict between states, especially members and those who seek to join. Ghana, being named the most peaceful country in Africa serves as a great leader for the continent and I hope to see the union succeed and flourish.

The Fight Against Immigrants

In the US, immigration has become a widely contested issue as the economy declines. Many citizens contend that immigrants take jobs from away from them and are demanding that the US tighten their borders.
This weekend in South Africa, the battle against immigration took on a more violent persona as 22 foreigners were killed and over 6,000 forced to flee. Native South Africans in the townships of Johannesburg attacked other Africans who they felt were taking their jobs and benefiting from social services.
It's truly unfortunate that economic conditions have forced Africans to abandon their communal and hospitable spirit. Most of the foreigners killed were from Zimbabwe (up to 3 million Zimbabweans live in South Africa), where they are escaping government persecution and extreme poverty. However, they have been blamed for much of South Africa's own social and economic problems including unemployment, housing shortages, and an extremely high crime level. Many have decided to return home rather than continue to face the violent attacks in South Africa.



Nigerians, Malawians, and Mozambicans were also reported to be recipients of the violence, which include savage beatings, rape, and people being burnt alive. More than 200 perpetrators have been arrested, but mobs are still roaming the streets in search of foreigners and looting and burning their businesses.

Humanity Before Politics

Relations between Somalians and Ethiopians in Mogadishu have been marked by distrust and conflict due to Ethiopia's support of the interim Somali government. However, in the midst of the current food crisis, Ethiopian troops in Mogadishu were able to put aside political feelings and channel their humanitarian spirit. The soldiers raised a collection with their own salaries and bought and distributed food to needy families in Mogadishu.

This was more than necessary on the brink of a series of food riots, that left two protesters dead.

Don't Act Foolish, Zimbabwe

For over a month now, supporters of the opposition party and critics of the government have been harassed, detained, abused, and even killed in Zimbabwe. More recently, these bullies have foolishly turned their aggression on US diplomats in the country. Unable to turn their heads to the post election violence plaguing citizens in Zimbabwe, US ambassadors and other diplomats visited victims in the hospitals and on their way back were held hostage at a roadblock for almost two hours, while they were questioned by security officials for their reason of being there. Though none of the diplomats were harmed during the verbal altercation, I hope that the ruling party in Zimbabwe realizes that this type of behavior will only bring more attention to their human rights abuses and hopefully more countries will demand transparency in their current democratic system and a legitimate ruler will soon rise to power.

More recently, citizens have used very novel ways of protesting the government's repression. Hackers shut down the Herald newspaper website, regarded as the official mouthpiece of President Mugabe's ZANU-PF party.

Saddest Thing I've Heard All Day

"When I grow up, I want to go to Africa and civilize people and teach them how to be good." - Bruce, a seven year old child on "Seven Up!"

This evening I began watching the "Seven Up!" series. If you haven't heard of it, it's a series that was produced decades ago in England. A group of fourteen seven-year-olds were chosen and filmed every seven years of their life until the turn of the century. They are chosen to represent different socioeconomic backgrounds. All of the children are White, except for one mixed boy, who doesn't seem to realize that he is half Black at this point.
The child who I quoted, Bruce, comes from a quite privileged background and is attending a boarding school. He has traveled to Africa before and claims to have a girlfriend waiting for him there, but sadly, even at his young age, he is still able to articulate such a negative ,yet innocent, view of Africa.

Turmoil In Khartoum

This weekend marked one of unimaginable turmoil in Khartoum as rebels attacked the city center. Bystanders reported that they could hear rounds of gunfire from the malls and airport. This is the closest rebels have ever been to Khartoum, prompting a 5pm curfew over the weekend and resulting in about 65 deaths.
The rebels came from the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), allegedly backed by neighboring Chad.


As a result, Sudan has cut ties with Chad and has threatened retaliation.

The government contends that they have defeated the rebels. However, Khalil Ibrahim, leader of the JEMs, has contended that the attacks will not end until they take over the capital.

Operation Rudi Nyumbani

Kenya has begun the process of resettling those displaced due to election violence, dubbed: Operation Rudi Nyumbani. Though, many have told the government that they will not return home until they are compensated for their loss. They say that they are not being properly ensured that their resettlements will be facilitated. and have also complained of inadequate protection in their home communities.
In response, the government has begun a quest to raise $500 million to help the IDPs return home. Some feel that though this may be necessary because of the loss many IDPs have suffered, the Kenyan government has dug a deep hole for itself by promising compensation to those that were displaced. There has already been a trend of people not living in camps, traveling to them in order to receive aid. How will the government control and verify that those who were actually displaced receive compensation. More importantly, where will the government get the funds to compensate the hundreds of thousands of people who were displaced? Election violence is nothing new to Kenya. And though the most recent wave of violence was on a larger scale, political conflict has plagued the region since its independence and is highly foreseeable in the future. As well intentioned as compensation is, it is not a wise precedent to set if it cannot be immediately fulfilled or maintained in the coming years.

I Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself!

Everyone once in a while, I come across an article that I can really appreciate. I feel no need to summarize or even comment much on it, because I couldn't have said it better myself! The following outlines why the lack of support given to students in African Universities will prevent them from developing and producing successful unique ventures.

Africa: Why Continent May Never Produce a Facebook
Mfonobong Nsehe

Randall Pinkett is a nice guy. You've probably heard of him. He's the savvy Rhodes MBA scholar, self-made millionaire entrepreneur, author, coach and motivational speaker who beat 17 other contestants to clinch the plum job in the fourth season edition of Real Estate tycoon, Donald Trump's famed and widely syndicated 'Apprentice' reality TV show.

As an author, Randall has written a book that would definitely be a student entrepreneur's delight. It is a very practical how-to guide for aspiring student entrepreneurs on how to successfully launch and run a profitable business while still in school. The title of the book is 'Campus CEO: The student entrepreneur's guide to launching a multi-million dollar business.'

In the book, Randall wrote a chapter that I found very interesting. It was on the issue of financing the businesses of student entrepreneurs.

As Randall noted, several universities in the United States and other more-developed countries of the world are very supportive of student entrepreneurs.

Many universities organise annual business plan competitions in their campuses in which students present their business ideas and business plans before a committee of well-established, seasoned and experienced business scholars, analysts and venture capitalists who review the students' prospective business plans.

At the end of the day, based on the strengths and prospects of their respective business plans, winners are selected and these winners stand to win cash prizes ranging from $10,000, $20,000, and in some cases, even as much as $100,000 to boost their start-up businesses.

Even for those students who do not win these University Business plan competitions, a coterie of venture capitalists scout through the business plan entries, eagerly seeking potential ventures to finance. Many big time corporations eventually spring up from these business plan competitions. Elsewhere, venture capitalists consider Universities the best place to find start-up companies that would be the 'Next big thing.'

But let's take a trip down to African Colleges and Universities. Are there any universities at all which are as supportive of student entrepreneurs as to organizing business plan competitions to fund businesses of students which have mega potential?

In the West, universities are eager to support student entrepreneurs in their campuses and even go out of their way looking for students with exceptional business ideas. Due to this kind of support, many big time corporations have sprung up from dormitory rooms in campuses from the United States. Apart from the fact that massive corporations are established, the schools where these ventures are established are instantly propelled to world fame.

Stanford University, for instance will forever occupy a pride of place among the list of the world's most elite Universities considering that companies like Yahoo and Google sprung up from there.

But how about Universities in Africa- Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria or Uganda? Where are you going to find venture capitalists in Kenya or elsewhere in Africa who will be willing to swallow their pride and listen to a student entrepreneur who is armed with nothing but a world-shaking idea? All the brightest ideas need not come from the West alone.

Truth is, many African students also have potential earth-shaking ideas-maybe even bigger than Google, Yahoo, Dell and Napster (all ventures begun by student entrepreneurs), but they are still waiting to see the light of day due to lack of capital. African entrepreneur students equally have business ideas that can grow into a big corporation, change the world and make lots of money.

A close friend of mine in Nigeria once had a crazy technology idea which needed only a few hundred thousand dollars to kick off with. Approaching banks and other so-called 'venture capitalists', he was snubbed extensively, discouraged and told to face his studies. Annoyed and frustrated, he eventually got a study abroad scholarship.

Within six months of staying in Canada, he secured the funding he needed, and as I write, his company's value is in the multi-million dollar range. As much as I know, his financiers have had an almost 200 per cent return on their investment in barely 12 months of operation.

We have such bright student entrepreneurs in Africa. But until African financiers and the self-proclaimed 'Venture capitalists' are easily accessible and listen to student entrepreneurs in our African Universities, Africa may never have its own answers to such mega, internationally famed corporations like Google, Yahoo, TicketAdvantage, CollegeHumor and Facebook which were all the brainchildren of student entrepreneurs.

We need financiers who will believe in and support the dreams of African student entrepreneurs and get those big ideas out of the boxes and into the pages of history. African student entrepreneurs are equally as smart, gifted and visionary and if supported can come up with big, world-changing ideas that would change the world.

And so, will the venture capitalists in Africa please stand up?

I'm Not Mad At Her

A woman in South Africa proved to her estranged husband that he would regret not paying her alimony. And I am not mad at her method. It looks like her husband deserved this public shame!

Results Finally Released in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has finally released the results of their presidential election. To no surprise, Morgan Tsvangirai won.



Unfortunately, he only won with 47.9% of the vote (to Mugabe's 43.2%), so there will have to be a runoff election. This is why since the elections, Mugabe has been arresting and abusing supporters of the opposition party so that they will not come out to vote in the runoff. Hopefully, the next round of elections will be peaceful and Zimbabwe can finally be freed from a 28 year old dictatorship.

Al Queda in Africa?

Yes. Al Queda is in Africa. Somalia to be exact. And yesterday, the US attacked them and killed their leader.

Aden Hashi Ayro was trained by Afghanistan militants and was behind most of the violence in Mogadishu in an attempt to wipe out Ethiopian troops. Unfortunately, though Ayro is considered to be Al-Queda's leader in Somalia, they have such a strong following, that this is not expected to be a deterrence in their operations.

Hostility Hurts the Needy

Humanitarian aid workers often find themselves torn in hostile situations, where the most needy are often the hardest to reach due to security issues. Yesterday, an aid worker with Save the Children was shot and killed when her convoy was attacked by gunman. Rebels often attack aid fleets in order to steal food, medication, and other supplies, making it difficult for aid workers to reach the most needy. As a result of this fatal attack, Save the Children has suspended their operations in Eastern Chad, indefinitely, and other aid organizations have suspended their operations there for two days. This a region overwhelmed with about 250,000 refugees from neighboring Darfur and over 100,000 displaced Chadians. Unfortunately, though the fatality of this attack was shocking, there have been at least 70 aid agency vehicles hijacked in Chad in the past two years, including the non-fatal shooting of a UNICEF worker.

I Couldn't Have Said It Better, Myself!

I come from a family or farmers. For those who know me, this is definitely hard to believe considering, I am not the "agricultural" type. That's because I don't actually know how to farm, I just come from a family of them. Almost all of my family lives in Cameroon in a rural village and farms for a living. At least, they are supposed to. This is the dilemma. The new generation of children who are at the brink of their adult life do not want to be farmers. They have all moved into the city seeking jobs. But the problem is, there are none. So many of them have either completed school and have useless degrees or have dropped out of school in hopes of finding a job. Either way, they're almost all unemployed. I'm not sure who should take the blame for this issue, but I do know that if I grew up in an agricultural community and country without many job prospects, I would probably focus on farming.
Apparently, the King of Buganda, Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II, agrees with me! There is a great deal of idleness among youth in developing African nations, who move from their rural hometowns to the urban city centers, in search of jobs that don't exist. Once they realize they won't be getting employed anytime soon, they stay in the centers and usually turn to a life of idleness or crime.
I had a friend in Kampala, who realized the gold in the rural areas and hired workers to farm for him! It was a lazy, but smart move.
However, considering today's food crisis, the lack of farmers in predominantly agricultural societies is alarming. It makes no sense for countries with soil meant for growing, who were exploited by the West centuries ago, to be relying on the West to export items that they are equipped to grow themselves in abundance!
I think a healthy medium for youth uninterested in getting their hands dirty on the farm, would be for them to explore scientific ways to make farming easier.

The Holocaust Memorial Museum

I can remember when I was in about 4th or 5th grade and visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum (HMM) in DC. Back then, it was strictly dedicated to the Jewish Holocaust and paid little if any mention to another genocides across the world.
About a month ago my co-workers went to a conference on the current conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and I was shocked to hear that it took place in the HMM. I was even more shocked when they gave me pamphlets with information about the genocide in Sudan and told me that there were exhibits dedicated to it. I was ecstatic to hear how the scope of the museum had grown.
Apparently, they have also grown to include a mapping program that allows visitors to track genocides across the world. I applaud the Holocaust Memorial Museum for changing the US' understanding of "holocaust" and educating others, especially the many children that visit. Holocausts include and surpass the atrocities experienced by the Jews in Germany and unfortunately, existed before then and continue to exist today.