The Social Re-Integration of Ex-Prisoners of the Kondengui Central Prison into the Society (Yaounde-Cameroun)

Abstract

Objective: This article is a result of a study carried out in the town of Yaounde in order to analyse the process of ex-prisoner reintegration in the community. The objective is in an attempt to understand the socio-cultural perceptions that the community holds about ex-prisoners which makes re-integration difficult. Method: Both the qualitative and quantitative methods were used in data collection. This was done through techniques such as documentation, interviews, observations, focus group discussions and a review of literature. Analysis was done using the conflict, incapacitation and the equilibrium model theories respectively. This data was categorised into themes and sub themes such as community’s socio-cultural perceptions, family treatment and consequences of these perceptions on ex-prisoners. Results: Findings revealed that, the family is the determinant factor that helped ex-prisoners re-integrates in the society. This is because 11 out of 15 informants were able to re-integrate into society following the help and understanding from their families. By studying the cases of those rejected by their families, it can be deduced that, their crimes contributed enormously to this rejection. Nevertheless, if one puts aside the fact that they have been able to re-integrate without much problems, the prison is not a place one should be proud of being a member. We then confirmed the saying that the prison is the best place to keep all criminals. Conclusion: This article presents the entire life of ex-convicts while in prison and after (professional, political, economical, social, cultural, distractive and even religious). This will help us understand clearly the link between life in prison, and out of prison. This article is to know the professional activities that have been carried out in prison hence, the influence it might have on them on release back into mainstream society. A senior staff officer in the Kondengui central prison advised that, a good method of ....