Executive Summary
The Joining Forces Alliance highlights the severe impact of armed conflicts on children in Africa, noting a record number of grave violations in 2025, particularly in Sudan, DRC, and Somalia. They urge African Union Member States and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child to strengthen accountability and implement existing commitments to protect children in conflict zones.
Why It Matters
This document provides critical insights into the devastating impact of armed conflicts on children across Africa, detailing specific violations and calling for enhanced accountability from African Union member states, which is crucial for understanding regional stability and humanitarian crises.
Key Takeaways
- Armed conflict is a primary threat to children in Africa, with 38,558 grave violations affecting 24,174 children globally in 2025, with a significant portion occurring in Africa.
Source evidence · PDF page 7
Armed conflict remains one of the gravest threats to children in Africa. The latest annual report of the UN Secretary-General on children and armed conflict verified 38,558 grave violations affecting a record 24,174 children worldwide in 2025.
- Specific conflicts in Sudan, DRC, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Somalia are highlighted for severe violations, including killings, maiming, recruitment, displacement, and drone attacks causing child casualties.
Source evidence · PDF page 7
In Sudan, the world's largest humanitarian crisis, the UN verified 1,889 grave violations against 1,681 children in 2025, including 1,331 children killed or maimed. Famine has been confirmed in Al Fasher and Kadugli, more than 5 million children have been displaced, and drone attacks caused 78 percent of child casualties reported in early 2026.
- The African Union and its member states are urged to strengthen implementation, financing, and accountability for commitments made to protect children affected by armed conflict, including monitoring PSC decisions and advancing studies on children in conflict.
Source evidence · PDF page 9
The African Union has set out what must be done. With the Committee's leadership in holding States Parties to account, these commitments can become real protection for every child affected by armed conflict.
Strategic Relevance
The document underscores the humanitarian and long-term societal consequences of ongoing conflicts in Africa, impacting future generations and regional stability. It highlights the need for robust international and regional frameworks to protect vulnerable populations in war zones, which is a key aspect of geopolitical strategy and conflict resolution.