The challenges of post conflict reintegration in Africa

Abstract

Introduction

In the past 50 years, the continent of Africa has witnessed major conflicts ranging from civil wars and liberation wars to chaos from failed States. Increasingly in these political upheavals, kidnapping and abductions of women and young persons have become more prominent.

Aims/objectives/methods

In this paper the consequences of political upheavals will be discussed. For the community there are economic, political and social disruptions. For the individuals there are family disruptions and improvements. For the abducted and kidnapped individuals there are physical, psychological and cognitive impairments, as well as consequences of sexual injuries.

Findings

There is controversy as to prevention, reduction, and management of young victims of war and conflicts. Some workers have suggested that:

–the imposition of peace agreements by foreign powers may not be strictly relevant to the parties engaged in the conflicts;

–culturally appropriate rituals have efficiency in the readjustment of boy soldiers and abducted girls. Nevertheless the guidelines suggested in international disagreements provide a basis for there adjustment of young war conflict victims.

Conclusion

–Traditional healing rituals have a place in the healing and reintegration in person's abduction in post conflict situations.

– Community approaches are superior to individual approaches.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied their declaration of competing interest.