London, UK – British journalist David Patrikos has revealed that the Sudanese Armed Forces, affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, are recruiting children in the ongoing conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023. Videos he posted on social media show children as young as ten years old carrying heavy weapons and chanting extremist slogans. Some are also participating in direct combat operations.
A war of pride and power
War is marketed to children as a source of pride and strength. In reality, it leads them to almost certain death. The video shows smiling boys holding their rifles under the watchful eye of an adult who resembles a teacher, raising his fist in the air to chant slogans. Yet the children remain oblivious to the danger surrounding them.
International oversight and documentation
The United Nations documented 209 cases of child recruitment and use in Sudan in 2023 alone. This came amid escalating violations against minors, including children with disabilities. Digital platforms such as TikTok are being used to spread extremist religious chants and slogans, and are also attempting to recruit children to fight.
Children play multiple roles in the conflict
Children are not only involved in combat but also serve as reporters, supply carriers, and observers. All are at risk of death or injury. Commanders deliberately exploit this situation, knowing full well that it constitutes a clear war crime.
Long-term impact on childhood
War has a long-term impact on children; its effects don’t end when the fighting stops. Even those involved in non-combat roles are permanently shaped by the experience. Live videos show boys smiling, carrying weapons, and experiencing fleeting pride while facing death in reality. The Sudanese civil war erupted in April 2023, resulting in widespread destruction, displacement, and famine. All sides committed crimes against humanity. Furthermore, the legacy of religious militarism and repression from the al-Bashir era continues to shape the behavior of current combatants.
