Somali gov’t orders investigation into reports that military is using child soldiers

Somali gov’t orders probe into child soldiers

NAIROBI, Kenya — Somalia’s president has ordered a full investigation into reports that the Somali army is recruiting children to fight powerful Islamic insurgent groups.

President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed ordered the army chief to discharge any active underage recruits immediately and to furnish him with a report in a month. Ahmed released a statement late Wednesday.

Ahmed also asked the international community to provide his cash-strapped government with the resources it needs to deal with about 100,000 armed militiamen of all ages in the country.

Ahmed accused al-Shabab militants of “intentionally and many times forcefully” enlisting underage children.