Conscientious objection

05/08/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

One source states that a two-year compulsory military service exists. [6]

However, other sources suggest that the Seychelles have no military conscription, but a National Youth Service exists, which was compulsory until 1993. It comprised military training but now emphasises education.

05/08/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

When Senegal achieved independence from France in 1960, regulations providing for national service (identical to French laws) were introduced, but they were not applied. [1]

Apparently there is still legislation on conscription, but the present conscription law is not known. It may be that the 14 November 1960 Ordinance is officially still in force. This law prescribes that all men aged 20 to 60 are liable for national service, which may be either military service or civilian service (arts. 20-21).

04/08/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Nigeria has no military conscription and has never had since achieving independence. [5] [1]

There is, however, another form of conscription for all university graduates. They are required to perform a 12-months' civilian service, working outside their state of origin in community projects, social programmes, public health, agriculture and sports. This service has no link with the armed forces. [4]

recruitment

Recruitment into the professional armed forces is on a voluntary basis.

04/08/1998

Niger achieved independence from France in 1960. In January 1996 the democratically elected government of president Ousmane was overthrown by a military coup led by colonel Mainassara. He was elected president in July 1997.

1 Conscription

conscription exists

Niger has conscription, although it is only imposed selectively. [1] [3] [4]

military service

It is not known who is liable for military service.

Military service lasts for 24 months.

04/08/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Namibia has never had conscription since achieving independence in 1990. [4]

Apparently, when becoming independent, it was planned to introduce a two-years' compulsory military service, but in 1990 it was reported that conscription had not been included in Namibia's constitution. [2]

recruitment

Recruitment into the Namibia Defence Force is on a voluntary basis.

31/07/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

Since achieving independence in 1975, there has been conscription. It is believed that following the 1992 peace agreement between the government and the armed opposition RENAMO, conscription has not been enforced.

However, conscription was reintroduced on 3 November 1997, when a 124 against 103 majority in the Mozambican parliament voted in favour of a new conscription law.

30/07/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Mauritius has no armed forces, except for two paramilitary forces: a special mobile force and a coast guard. [5]

There is no conscription and no conscription law. [1] [2] [3] [4]

recruitment

The minimum recruitment age for the paramilitary forces is 18.

30/07/1998 1 Conscription

conscription not enforced

Mauritania has no conscription. [1] [3] [4]

Although the 14 June 1962 Law provides for a two-years' compulsory military service, this law has apparently never been applied. [2] [6]

recruitment

Recruitment into the armed forces is on a voluntary basis. [2] [3] [4]

The minimum legal recruitment age is 16.

30/07/1998

From 1990 onwards there has been an armed conflict in the north of Mali. Armed Tuareg groups attacked government institutions and civilians. Due to the armed conflict, 120,000 Tuaregs fled abroad. In 1992 a peace agreement was signed between the government and the Unified Movements and Fronts of Azawad (MFUA), an umbrella organisation of four armed Tuareg groups. The agreement provided for disarmament of the Tuareg rebels and their integration into the armed forces. But the rebellion and the killings did not cease.

29/07/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Malawi has no conscription. In situations of public emergency, every citizen aged 18 to 60 years may be called up for national service under the National Service Act (Cap. 12:02). [1]

recruitment

Recruitment into the armed forces is on a voluntary basis.

The minimum legal recruitment age is 18.

29/07/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

Madagascar has conscription, which is enshrined in art. 19 of the constitution. [1] [3] [4]

According to the government in 1980, "Compulsory national service is organised to ensure the social and cultural development of the majority, in addition to the requirements of national defence" (arts. 19 and 20 of the constitution). [1]

The present legal basis of conscription is believed to be the 6 March 1978 Order No. 78-003 on national service.

28/07/1998

Liberia plunged into civil war in 1989, when the repressive government of president Doe was overthrown. From then onwards, Liberia has more or less ceased to exist as a nation-state, with several armed factions fighting each other.