The International Research Center for the Prevention of Child Soldiers, based in Dakhla, initiated an innovative forward-looking model of cooperation between academia and the defense sector in Africa, with a view to addressing the complex challenges associated with child recruitment and protection.
This initiative is part of partnerships established with major military academies on the continent, including the Zambakro War College in Côte d’Ivoire and institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Center is thus working to directly integrate military perspectives into academic research and policy innovation.
The visit of a high-level military delegation from the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to the Center’s headquarters in Dakhla marked an important step in strengthening continental and international cooperation on child protection, particularly in the most vulnerable conflict zones.
This dynamic also illustrates the leadership role of the Kingdom of Morocco, supported by Royal initiatives, in promoting a sustainable and inclusive African renaissance, particularly in the area of protecting children from armed recruitment.
On this occasion, the Center signed a partnership agreement with the African Coordination of Human Rights for the Armed Forces.
The visit also saw the launch of the “Resident Researchers” program, which aims to build a scientific community committed to developing innovative solutions to prevent child recruitment.
In addition, members of the Ivorian delegation learned about an artificial intelligence program developed by the Center to detect and track militias and armed groups involved in child recruitment around the world.
The Ivorian delegation included representatives from military training institutions, international humanitarian law organizations, and the African Coordination of Human Rights for the Armed Forces. It was led by a brigadier general and also included two colonels, a commander who heads the armed forces’ press office, and the general coordinator of the African Coordination of Human Rights for the Armed Forces.
MAP: 29 September 2025
