Josiane Lina Bemaka-Soui currently serves as the Minister Counselor at the Presidency of the Republic. Minister Bemaka-Soui serves in a variety of capacities including child protection, strategic focal point for sexual gender-based violence linked to armed conflicts, strategic focal point in the execution unit of disarmament, as well as demobilization and repatriation program for children associated with armed groups. She comes from a family of 9 children. She is a pediatrician by profession and mother of a son. She is also the recipient of the Heroine of the AWORD Anti-Trafficking Award. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Strengthening Reintegration Programs for Former Central African Child Soldiers

The numerous military-political crises in the Central African Republic have seriously affected the living conditions of children, especially those forced to be child-soldiers. According to UNICEF’s 2020 report for the Central African Republic, continued conflict in several areas of the country and structural weaknesses have plunged 2.8 million people, including 1.2 million children, in need. One in four of the 4.7 million people have been displaced: 640,715 people were internally displaced as of September 30, 2020, an increase of seven percent compared to 2019 at the same period. This current crisis remains a humanitarian emergency for all children: almost 2.3 million are affected and remain at risk, and still need help and protection. Children make up half of the Central African Republic’s population and are among the most vulnerable group as they continue to be used and threatened by armed groups.

This project aimed to promote the long-term social integration of 5 former child soldiers through a pilot project targeting children who have been incarcerated. It supported the children who were involved in the numerous military-political crises in the Central African Republic by reintegrating them into local host families. Social workers were trained to facilitate the social reintegration process and support both the children and host families, which allowed the children to become normal citizens of society.

"No child deserves to go to jail, let alone our children who are victims. This project helped the children but also our entire community and country." - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Josiane was a participant in the IVLP Project TIP Report Heroes organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center.

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually 

Washington, DC; Miami, FL; Minneapolis, MN

Country: Central African Republic

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