U.S. Waives Child-Soldier Restrictions for Countries Including Russia
Published Date: 10/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. government is easing some rules to keep helping certain countries like the Central African Republic, DRC, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Somalia, Venezuela, Yemen, and Russia with military training, equipment, and peacekeeping support. This change means these countries are recognized for making progress against using child soldiers, so the U.S. can continue its support without full restrictions. These waivers take effect now and keep important aid flowing without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Waiver allows CAR military training & equipment
The Secretary waived part of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act prohibition for the Central African Republic to allow international military education and training (IMET), excess defense articles (EDA), and the issuance of direct commercial sales (DCS) licenses that the CSPA would otherwise restrict. This determination is dated September 30, 2026.
Waiver allows DRC training, peacekeeping, and sales
The Secretary waived part of the CSPA prohibition for the Democratic Republic of the Congo to allow international military education and training (IMET), peacekeeping operations (PKO) assistance, and the issuance of direct commercial sales (DCS) licenses to the extent the CSPA would otherwise restrict them. This determination is dated September 30, 2026.
Somalia allowed PKO and 10 U.S.C. support
The Secretary waived part of the CSPA prohibition for Somalia to allow peacekeeping operations (PKO) assistance and support provided pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 331 and 10 U.S.C. 333 to the extent the CSPA would restrict such assistance. This determination is dated September 30, 2026.
Venezuela eligible for IMET despite CSPA
The Secretary waived part of the CSPA prohibition for Venezuela to allow the provision of international military education and training (IMET) assistance to the extent the CSPA would restrict such assistance. This determination is dated September 30, 2026.
Russia limited DCS licenses for International Space Station
The Secretary waived the CSPA prohibition to allow issuance of direct commercial sales (DCS) licenses with respect to the Russian Federation solely for activities connected to the International Space Station. This determination is dated September 30, 2026.
Waivers for Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Yemen
The Secretary waived the application of the CSPA prohibition in section 404(a) with respect to Ethiopia, with respect to Nigeria, and with respect to Yemen. Each waiver is part of the determination dated September 30, 2026.
Certification that listed governments are addressing child soldiers
The Secretary certified that the governments of the listed countries (Central African Republic; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Ethiopia; Nigeria; Somalia; Venezuela; Yemen; and the Russian Federation) are taking effective and continuing steps to address the problem of child soldiers. The certification accompanies the waivers and is dated September 30, 2026.
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