Armed terrorist groups are resorting more to the recruitment of minors to compensate for their losses, according to government official sources.
The Burkina Information Agency (AIB) said these children are used as lookouts, informers or fighters.
Faced with the losses inflicted by the Burkinabe forces, armed groups are looking for new recruits. Their target: children sometimes around ten years old.
According to the AIB, the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and the Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP) inflicted heavy losses on armed groups during several operations.
The latter would thus try to rebuild their numbers.
The Support Group for Islam and Muslims (GSIM), affiliated with Al-Qaeda, is particularly cited in this strategy by the Burkinabe agency.
Recruitment methods vary. Some minors would be deceived. Others would be forced to join armed groups.
Their vulnerability and precariousness would be exploited.
Once enrolled, the children receive, according to the AIB, rapid training.
They can be employed as lookouts, spies or radio operators.
Some would also be sent into combat.
The agency claims that several minors were found during the dismantling of terrorist bases by the Burkinabe army. Their age would be between 10 and 14 years old.
These children allegedly gave testimonies of violence and abandonment.
According to the AIB, some groups leave them behind when pursued by fighting forces.
The recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law.
The AIB finally calls on parents to be vigilant, urging them to protect children against recruitment bids by armed groups.
HO/te/Sf/fss/as/APA