AFRICA/MALI - Warning for child soldiers and for the malnutrition that affects many of them

Bamako (Agenzia Fides) - Food insecurity and political instability, diseases, abuses and violence have become for months part of the life of the population of many African countries. The cultural, religious, ethnic divisions and conflicts for the control have made this continent a place of violent unrest. Mali is one of these countries, where the war continues to affect more than 150 children recruited as soldiers by armed groups. According to estimates by the UN, since March over 175 people between 12 and 18 years of age have been enrolled and 8 girls have been sexually abused by armed groups. Many children who die are killed and many are maimed because of the explosives used. Mali is not officially ruled by anyone and the war has contributed to further divide the country carrying serious consequences particularly for children. This also promotes the proliferation of diseases such as cholera. Many children have nothing to eat, 560 000 are at risk of acute malnutrition and many of them end up dying. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 26/7/2012)