New Child Soldier Fears in Central African Republic

The U.N. children’s agency says it’s concerned about a growing number of children being recruited by armed groups in Central African Republic as President Francois Bozize’s government faces a rebellion in the north.

UNICEF said Friday it has received “credible reports that rebel groups and pro-government militias are increasingly recruiting and involving children in armed conflict.”

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UNICEF estimates that even before the latest crisis here some 2,500 children were part of armed groups in the country long plagued by rebellions. Rebels have seized 10 towns in a month’s time.