The Nexus between Social Capital and Reintegration of Ex-combatants: A Case for Sierra Leone

Citation:

Leff, Jonah. 2008. “The Nexus between Social Capital and Reintegration of Ex-Combatants: A Case for Sierra Leone.” African Journal on Conflict Resolution 8 (1): 18–20.

Author: Jonah Leff

Abstract:

Following the end of the Cold War, the international community shifted its attention from duelling ideological warfare to the many intra-state, or internal armed conflicts occurring globally. In response, the United Nations, along with a wide array of aid agencies, have invested greater and greater time and resources in post-conflict environments. When peace is reached after conflict, economic and social conditions are not conducive for ex-combatants to reintegrate on their own. Programmes that address ex-combatants as well as broader post-conflict recovery are essential. Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) is one such programme that has received widespread attention. Policy analysts have debated the factors that contribute to a successful DDR programme. This study examines reintegration, the final phase of DDR, arguing that in order to achieve successful reintegration of ex-combatants, a community-focused approach that generates social capital must be implemented. Using a comprehensive literature review of social capital and community-based reintegration and a thorough case study from Sierra Leone, this paper will demonstrate the relationship between social capital and reintegration.

Topics: Armed Conflict, Combatants, DDR, Gender, Humanitarian Assistance, International Organizations, Peace Processes, Post-Conflict Regions: Africa, West Africa Countries: Sierra Leone

Year: 2008

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