Ending Child Soldiers in Africa Act

Key Points

• This bill requires the Department of Defense to create a detailed report on how the use of child soldiers in Africa affects the national security of the United States. It focuses on how groups like terrorists and criminal gangs use children to increase their power and cause regional instability.
• The report would look at how extremist groups recruit and brainwash children. It also examines if this violence makes it harder for the United States to access important minerals and other supplies needed for American technology and manufacturing.
• Government officials would evaluate current efforts by the United States and its allies to stop child recruitment. They would also look for the best ways to help former child soldiers leave these groups and safely return to their homes and communities.
• The bill explores the possibility of creating a special center in Africa to coordinate these efforts. This center would provide training and research to help local governments and military leaders prevent children from being forced into combat.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.