Armed groups in strife-torn Central African Republic released 350 child soldiers Thursday, honouring a deal signed with UNICEF, the United Nations children's agency said.

"After two years of intense fighting, the release of the children by these groups today is a real step towards peace," said UNICEF's representative in Bangui, Mohamed Malick Fall. The UN agency estimates that between 6,000 and 10,000 children are held by armed factions in the impoverished country.