COMMON ANALYSIS
Last update: August 2023

This profile refers to children fearing recruitment by Al-Shabaab. For an overview of other actors recruiting children, see 3.14.1. Violence against children: overview.

For information on the treatment of families refusing to provide younger family members, including children, as recruits to Al-Shabaab, see sub-profile 3.3. Persons fearing forced recruitment by Al-Shabaab.

COI summary

Children form most of the new recruits of Al-Shabaab, as the group targets predominantly boys and young men between 12 and 24 years old [Targeting, 1.1, p. 17]. Between January and June 2020, Al-Shabaab was responsible for 75% of child recruitment cases in Somalia, with the largest numbers of such incidents documented in Middle Jubba, Lower Shabelle and Bay [Targeting, 1.1, pp. 24-25].

For the period from January to March 2022, Al-Shabaab remained the main perpetrator of child recruitment incidents (177 cases, i.e. 78.9 % of the cases) and child abduction incidents (192 cases out of 194, i.e. 99 % of the cases) which are closely associated with recruitment. Children associated with the group can either be actively engaged in combat roles, or used as helpers, spies, cooks, washers, logistics assistants among other roles. Clan and elders are often charged with recruitment on behalf of Al-Shabaab. [AS Deserters, 2.3., pp. 52‑53]

According to reports, the group started recruiting local children following the decrease of the numbers of non-Somali recruits and their loss of territory. Reports further suggest that Al-Shabaab’s child recruitment campaigns were targeting communities perceived to be aligned with the government. Children were abducted and forced to join the group’s ranks. Families who were unable to pay (religious) ‘taxes’ to Al-Shabaab were often coerced into giving up their children to the group. Al-Shabaab’s recruitment efforts have also targeted orphaned children and children in IDP camps. [Targeting, 1.1, pp. 24-25]

Children are further indoctrinated in schools set up by the organisation. The use of Islamic institutes and education of children in Al-Shabaab schools with the aim of creating young recruits with a ‘Jihadi worldview’ has been reported [Targeting, 1.1, p. 23]. Women who leave Al-Shabaab, often do so with their children to protect them. These children are often claimed back by the group who wants to recruit them. Family members can then face retaliation or threats by Al-Shabaab and be asked to join their ranks in place of those who left. [AS Deserters, 2.2.4., p. 52] 

Conclusions and guidance 

   Do the acts qualify as persecution under Article 9 QD?   

Child recruitment is of such severe nature that it amounts to persecution, including when recruitment is not induced by coercion.

   What is the level of risk of persecution (well-founded fear)?   

The individual assessment of whether there is a reasonable degree of likelihood for the applicant to face persecution should take into account risk-impacting circumstances, such as: gender, age, area of origin and the control or influence of Al-Shabaab, clan affiliation and clan positioning towards Al-Shabaab, socio-economic situation of the family, family status (e.g. orphans), etc.

   Are the reasons for persecution falling within Article 10 QD (nexus)?   

The individual circumstances of the child need to be taken into account to determine whether a nexus to a reason for persecution can be substantiated. For example, in the case of children who refuse to join Al-Shabaab, persecution may be for reasons of (imputed) political opinion and/or religion.