Africa: Catholic radio denounces exploitation of children

A Catholic radio station in Chad has denounced the exploitation of children by cattle breeders in the south of the country, accusing the chiefs of treating the young people like slaves. It is common practice among breeders in the region to put young children and youths in charge of controlling large herds of cattle with little or no renumeration. As a result of Radio Lotiko's appeal for something to be done about the situation, the administrator of a nearby town has written a letter to the traditional chiefs requesting a list of all the children who work for them. Although reliable estimates put the numbers of children operating as bonded workers at around 500, the church in Chad are hoping that the letter will provide a clearer picture of exactly how many are involved and how they are trafficked.