EASF Concludes Regional Workshop on Preventing Child Soldier Recruitment in Addis Ababa

Closing the workshop, LTC Commandant Col. Abdelrahim A. A. Hamad praised the collaboration and commitment demonstrated throughout the training. “It is an honor to stand before you at the conclusion of this important workshop,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Dallaire Institute facilitators, the EASF Secretariat, and the host nation Ethiopia. He commended participants for their “active engagement and valuable contributions”. 

Col. Hamad highlighted the workshop’s focus on understanding the realities of modern conflict, child recruitment, legal protections, and the responsibilities of security actors. Sessions also addressed planning for prevention, doctrine development, communication with children, and safe handover procedures. “The responsibility now rests with us to translate this knowledge into practical action,” he said. “The protection of children is not only a legal obligation; it is a moral duty and strategic necessity”. 

Dallaire Institute Project Director Arsene Mukendi Tshidimu lauded the participants’ strong grasp of key concepts, including the six grave violations against children. He noted their ability to integrate child protection principles into security sector operations and prepare for field deployment. “You have shown a clear understanding of how to respond during operations and the importance of collaboration and reporting,” he said. 

Tshidimu expressed appreciation to the African Union, EASF, and the Canadian government for their support and emphasized the workshop’s broader goal: strengthening national capacities across member states. “Each country can use this training to equip colleagues and promote the protection of children,” he said.