Sudan’s ‘Lion Cubs’ – the Child Soldiers Going Viral On Tiktok

Amsterdam / Babanusa — Report by Sebastian Vandermeersch and Amgad Abdelgadir

A joint investigation by Radio Dabanga and Bellingcat* has found that young boys, widely referred to as “lion cubs,” have become celebrated figures within the rival groups fighting for control of the country since 2023. Child soldiers linked to Sudan’s warring factions have gained viral fame on TikTok, with their videos attracting millions of views.

Many of the videos reviewed show the children in military uniforms…