In the midst of the ongoing civil war in Sudan, child soldiers affiliated with rival factions have found a disturbing newfound fame on TikTok, where their videos have garnered millions of views. These young boys, colloquially known as “lion cubs,” are becoming celebrated figures within both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), factions embroiled in a violent struggle for control since 2023.
According to a recent investigation, many of these viral videos depict the children in military attire alongside armed fighters, celebrating military victories, and even delivering menacing speeches. Experts warn that such content not only normalizes violence but could also lead to increased recruitment of minors into armed conflict.
Bellingcat identified 12 TikTok accounts featuring child soldiers and reported them through the platform’s internal mechanisms. After inaction for over 48 hours, the organization contacted TikTok for comment, which led to the removal of seven accounts. However, several remain active, continuing to share videos that violate TikTok’s content policies.
Child Soldiers as Influential Figures
In examining the phenomenon, Bellingcat concentrated on two particularly notable “lion cubs” from opposing sides of the conflict. The videos often show these children in close proximity to combat zones, including one instance where a child filmed himself among the deceased.
One clip features a young RSF “lion cub” celebrating the capture of a military base in Babanusa, West Kordofan, in December 2025. Posted by pro-RSF accounts, these videos quickly gained traction, amassing millions of views and tens of thousands of followers for the young soldier. In a particularly alarming video, he responds to social media comments about his mortality with a chilling statement: “The person who dies is as if he has paid his debt,” which attracted over 1.6 million views before the account was removed.
The Impact of Viral Fame
Experts in child soldiering have expressed concern that the visibility of these children can lead to further recruitment. Michael Wessells, a professor at Columbia University, explains that this type of glorification creates a dangerous narrative, portraying children who are willing to fight as heroes. “They are given names such as ‘lion cubs’ that honor their strength and warrior nature, while bringing them into the fold at an early age,” he notes.
Mia Bloom, a communication and Middle East studies professor, adds that these children have achieved a level of fame comparable to that of child stars in the United States. “The message becomes: look how famous he got by doing that – maybe if I join the movement, I can also be famous,” she explains.
Social Media Platforms’ Inaction
Despite TikTok’s Community Guidelines prohibiting content that promotes violence or exploits children, experts assert that enforcement remains inadequate. Marwa Fatafta, a digital rights advocate, pointed out that content involving child soldiers often violates multiple platform policies, yet such violations frequently go unchecked. For example, TikTok’s Youth Safety policies state, “We don’t allow content that could harm young people—physically, emotionally, or developmentally.”
Facebook’s Human Exploitation policy also prohibits content that facilitates or exploits individuals through human trafficking, including the recruitment of child soldiers. However, as Fatafta notes, the enforcement of these policies appears to be inconsistent, particularly in conflict zones.
The Broader Context of Child Soldier Recruitment
The troubling trend of child soldiers in Sudan is compounded by dire socioeconomic conditions. In 2023, the UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons highlighted that unaccompanied and impoverished children have turn into targets for recruitment by the RSF, especially as food shortages and the collapse of essential services leave them vulnerable.
The UN Human Rights Council reported that the RSF has “systematically recruited and used children in hostilities,” while the SAF has also faced allegations of training minors for combat. Recently, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed alarm over the growing militarization of society in Sudan, particularly noting the recruitment of children into armed groups.
What Comes Next?
As the conflict continues, the situation for children in Sudan remains precarious. Social media platforms face increasing pressure to improve their content moderation and protect vulnerable populations. UNICEF representatives emphasize that the recruitment of anyone under 18 is a grave violation of child rights, urging platforms to step up their efforts to prevent exploitation.
The phenomenon of child soldiers becoming viral figures raises critical questions about the role of social media in conflict dynamics. As children increasingly become symbols of armed groups, the potential for further recruitment and normalization of violence looms large. Ongoing advocacy and action are essential to safeguard the futures of these children and restore a sense of normalcy in their lives.
Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the responsibility of social media platforms in curbing the spread of harmful content and protecting vulnerable populations.
