Reintegration Of Former Combatants Research Articles

The Impact of Civilians Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) on Post-Conflict Security in South Sudan

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the significance of Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) interventions in post-conflict rehabilitation, specifically focusing on their role in ensuring sustainable peace and security sector reforms in South Sudan.
 Methodology: This study employed a comprehensive approach to evaluate the impact of DDR programs in South Sudan. It involved a critical review of academic literature, reports, mitigation programs, and credible news sources from reputable organizations to assess the effectiveness of DDR initiatives in promoting long-term peace and stability.
 Findings: The findings underscored the crucial function of DDR programs in post-conflict security within South Sudan. They highlighted the positive effects of DDR interventions in fostering reconciliation, curbing arms proliferation, and facilitating the successful reintegration of former combatants into society.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study will contribute to both theoretical understanding and practical implementation by emphasizing the indispensable role of consistent international support for DDR initiatives in fragile post-conflict environments like South Sudan. It recommended continued investment in DDR programs to sustain peace-building efforts and enhance security sector reforms in the region.

Trust of demobilized combatants: Overcoming fear or becoming familiar?

Background One critical challenge facing postconflict societies concerns the reintegration of former combatants as productive members of society. Public trust in the legitimacy of a peace agreement is a critical component of rebuilding the economic and social foundations of a war-torn nation. Objectives We argue that the levels of trust of former combatants and confidence in their effective demobilization depend on two critical features of the postconflict environment: fears of insecurity and community engagement. Method We focus our analysis on Colombia and utilize data from the Latin American Public Opinion Project to create a multivariate time-series analysis of public trust in two groups—leftist rebels and rightist paramilitaries. Results We find that both the fear of former combatants and the level of engagement individuals have in their communities help predict respondent attitudes about trust in former combatants and reintegration. Conclusion Fear and familiarity are key determinants in reintegration of former combatants.

NETfacts: An integrated intervention at the individual and collective level to treat communities affected by organized violence

War and crises affect mental health, social attitudes, and cultural norms, which can exacerbate the state of long-term insecurity. With decades of armed conflict, the Democratic Republic of Congo is one example, and violence has become normalized in civilian settings. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of the NETfacts health system, an integrated model of evidence-based individual trauma treatment (Narrative Exposure Therapy [NET]) and a trauma-informed community-based intervention (NETfacts). Alongside changes in mental health outcomes (posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, social disapproval, and shame) we also investigated change in attitudes, including rape myth acceptance, stigmatization of survivors of sexual violence, and skepticism about the reintegration of former combatants. To test whether the additional community intervention is superior to individual NET alone, we implemented a randomized controlled design with six villages and interviewed a sample of 1,066 community members. Our results demonstrate that the NETfacts health system in comparison with NET alone more effectively reduced rape myth acceptance and with it ongoing victimization and perpetration. Community members of the NETfacts group also presented with less stigmatizing attitudes against survivors of sexual violence. Skepticism about the reintegration of former combatants declined in both groups. NETfacts appears to have increased motivation to engage in individual treatment. Synergizing the healing effects of individual and collective trauma exposure, the NETfacts health system appears to be an effective and scalable approach to correct degrading or ignominious norms and restore functioning and mental health in postconflict communities.

The de-radicalization, rehabilitation and reintegration project in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy: Operation Safe Corridor in context

ABSTRACT In the years since the emergence of Boko Haram, the terror threat posed by the sect’s violent extremism has remained a challenge for the Nigerian government. The failure to contain it has been attributed to the government’s over-reliance on military strategies. While conventional approaches are useful in weakening the operational capacity of domestic terrorism, they do not provide a long-term solution. The use of military strategies to quell ideological and religious-driven terrorism has proven counterproductive. As a result, scholars and security practitioners have recommended a combination of military and non-military strategies to address insurgency. Non-military strategies include de-radicalization, disarmament, amnesty, indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms, and other soft power measures. In line with this, the Nigerian government adopted ‘Operation Safe Corridor’ in a bid to de-radicalize, rehabilitate and reintegrate former Boko Haram combatants who voluntarily surrender to the government. This article assesses Operation Safe Corridor’s institutional mechanisms as a counter-terrorism strategy in Nigeria. It argues that the lack of a legal framework, issues of public perception and trust and host communities’ reluctance to accept former Boko Haram combatants have undermined successful implementation of the program. It is imperative for the government to address these challenges in order to achieve Operation Safe Corridor’s objectives and ensure successful deradicalization and reintegration of former combatants.

LECTURAS DEL INFORME DE LA COMISIÓN DE LA VERDAD. POSIBILIDADES PARA LA CONVIVENCIA ESCOLAR

The text addresses the complexity of the current situation in Colombia, a country at a critical moment of social and political change after more than half a century of armed conflict. The signing of the peace agreement with the FARC-EP in 2016 is highlighted as a crucial milestone, although not without challenges, including the reintegration of former combatants and the security of the signatories. The creation of the Commission for the Clarification of Truth, Coexistence, and Non-Repetition is mentioned as an attempt to tell the complete history of the conflict and its victims, facing political obstacles such as the stance of President Iván Duque. The text also focuses on the importance of education for peaceful coexistence, especially within educational communities. It emphasizes the need to review and update school curricula to include a more complete and contextualized history of Colombia, from its history of violence to its struggle for peace. Additionally, it addresses the importance of challenging social norms that perpetuate violence and conflict, such as gender stereotypes and bullying. The role of youth leadership in building a new narrative is also discussed, as well as the active participation of young people in public debate about the country's future. The article underlines the need to remember and honor the slain social leaders, as well as to understand the deeper roots of conflict that include systemic violence and drug trafficking. It suggests that truth and justice are imperatives for coexistence and that society must strive for truth-seeking through different mechanisms such as coexistence committees and programs like Hermes. Additionally, it points to creativity and literature as ways to resignify the past and construct new narratives of coexistence. In summary, the text offers a multifaceted analysis of social and political change in Colombia, highlighting the complexity of transitioning from a state of prolonged conflict to a more peaceful and equitable situation. It proposes a series of strategies and approaches to address these challenges, from the educational system to public participation, with truth and justice as pillars for coexistence.

The FARC in Colombia: Collective Reintegration and Social Identity Transformation

The Peace Treaty between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Colombian government in 2016 was a breakthrough toward ending an armed conflict of more than six decades. One requirement for its success is the reintegration of former combatants of the FARC into society, which in this case has been designed as a collective reintegration process. We conducted a qualitative field study with 20 former combatants of the FARC to understand their perception of this reintegration process using the framework of social identity theory. We found a strong disparity between the desire of participants to adhere to their identity as FARC while coming to terms with its decreasing likelihood. Participants felt threatened in their identity as FARC due to the violence targeted at them, their stigmatization and rejection by society, the perceived noncompliance of the Colombian government, and the increasing disintegration of the FARC. We discuss how identification with the FARC leads to different avenues of reintegration and affects former combatants' relations with society and the Colombian government. Adding to a multidimensional analysis and implementation of peace building, we highlight the need for structured reintegration programs that consider the psychosocial needs of all parties involved.

Rethinking reintegration in Nigeria: community perceptions of former Boko Haram combatants

Since the emergence of Boko Haram and its terrorist activities in Nigeria, policy initiatives have included deradicalisation and reintegration of former combatants to curtail extremism and bolster stability. Central to deradicalisation is the efficacy of reintegration programmes. While much emphasis is placed on recidivism as a basis for determining the efficacy of reintegration programmes, studies on how communities perceive the reintegration of deradicalised former combatants, and those labelled terrorists, are scarce. To address this issue of the quality of reintegration programmes, a qualitative method using semi-structured interviews was employed for this study. Twenty-four Christian and Muslim participants were recruited from Lagos and Plateau states in Nigeria. Thematic data analysis was deployed from a social identity theoretical framework. The study found perceived indifference and fear regarding the ability of former Boko Haram combatants to genuinely reform or repent from terrorist acts. The study therefore recommends the provision of context-specific counter-narratives that shift the perceived public fear of unrepentant former combatants to a more positive outlook. Such optimism can embrace reconciliation to aid the successful reintegration of former terrorist combatants into Nigerian communities.

The Role of the Former combatants’ reintegration on promotion of inclusion and equity in Mt. Elgon region, Kenya

The social reintegration of former combatants is the most important aspect of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process. Post conflict societies are marked by their past traumas long after the interest of most outsiders has ebbed. Reintegration understood in this context, speaks to societal transformation, which both takes time and is prone to setbacks long after peace has formally been declared. The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of reintegration of former combatants on promotion of inclusion and equity. The objective of the study was to explain the role of the former combatants’ reintegration on promotion of inclusion and equity in Mt. Elgon region. The desistance theory was used in the study. The study used the cross sectional descriptive survey design. The population of the study comprised former combatants, Sub County Commissioners, peace committee members, religious leaders and NGOs. The respondents comprised former combatants, sub county commissioners and peace committee members, religious leaders and NGOs. The stratified and purposive random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 150 former combatants, Three Sub County commissioners and 16 peace committee members, five religious leaders and Four NGO members. Data was collected by use of questionnaires, interviews and Focus Group discussion. In order to ascertain validity, the questionnaires and interview schedules were given to experts who matched all the items with the research questions to ascertain whether the instruments would measure all that it is supposed to measure. The reliability of the instruments was determined through test retest of the instruments. Data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages. Data from in-depth interviews was audio taped and transcribed. The transcripts were then organized into themes and categories as they emerged from the field. The findings of the study were presented descriptively. The findings of the study showed that: in the context of social reintegration the three dimensions of family and community; sustainable employment; and civic responsibilities should be given proper attention: to achieve the goal of reintegration there should be a major shift in the contemporary DDR approach by moving from the insertion approach towards a social reintegration one; community support is essential for the successful reintegration of former combatants and the sustainable social and economic reintegration of former combatants should be the ultimate objective of disarmament and demobilization and reintegration (DDR). Consequently, the study recommends that the government should budget for and give priority to the reintegration programmes so that they are fully completed instead of leaving them at the reinsertion stage; the communities take the lead in proposing community- based solutions for the issues identified.

Una mirada etnográfica a la Ciudadela Santa Rosa: reflexiones sobre un caso de re-integración social de excombatientes en Bogotá

Este artículo se acerca desde una perspectiva etnográfica a la experiencia de reintegración social de excombatientes en la Ciudadela Santa Rosa de Bogotá. Pocos años después de su inauguración, a finales de los años noventa, en varias de las viviendas de esta urbanización fueron abandonadas o rematadas pero a partir de 2005, familias de excombatientes de diferentes grupos compraron estos inmuebles a muy bajo costo y se mudaron allí cuando terminaron su proceso de reinserción institucional. En este artículo parto de la historia del barrio contada por dos de sus habitantes, luego presento la metodología del trabajo de campo y finalizo con algunas reflexiones sobre la investigación acerca del proceso de construcción de relaciones entre los habitantes de la ciudadela. Estas reflexiones dialogan críticamente con las políticas y programas del gobierno nacional y distrital, que regularon la reintegración social de excombatientes, entre 2010 y 2012, en un momento previo a la negociación con las farc.

Oportunidades y desafíos del uso del patrimonio cultural inmaterial en la construcción de paz en el posconflicto. Implicaciones para Colombia

This article analyses how intangible cultural heritage can contribute to peacebuilding processes during post-conflict periods. In so doing, it aims at enriching the debate about the current peace process in Colombia. The research uses a qualitative methodology with data collection techniques, such as observation, interviews with experts, communications with relevant people, and documentary analysis. It argues that the use of cultural heritage enables a greater participation of the population in peacebuilding and a greater ownership of the process. It can help rebuild the social fabric affected by the war, and reduce the cultural and structural violence present in post-conflict societies. More specifically, it can promote transitional justice, the social reintegration of former combatants and the peaceful transformation of conflicts. However, despite this potential, cultural heritage can also perpetuate exclusionary practices against certain social groups or extol the use of direct violence. Post-conflict periods are propitious to carry out reforms in the intangible cultural heritage and to make it more inclusive.

The reintegration of former combatants in Colombia: addressing violent masculinities in a fragile context

ABSTRACTThis article focuses on peace-building processes in fragile societies traumatised by violence and conflict. It argues that disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) programmes largely overlook the relationship between violent ‘militarised’ male identities and behaviour, and risks to women’s security. DDR programmes need to work with men to support them to evolve non-violent ways of ‘being a man’. The article draws on research from Colombia to illustrate its argument and show the negative consequences of combatants’ reintegration on women’s lives in that context. It suggests key steps to challenge wartime masculinities that should be included in DDR and peace-building programmes, and considers wider implications for development and humanitarian work in fragile contexts.

Victimisation and Attitudes Towards Former Political Prisoners in Northern Ireland

The release of ex-combatants and the mechanisms for their re-integration within society has become an increasingly controversial issue in peace settlements. Yet to date, the view of victims concerning such arrangements in post-conflict societies remains unexplored. Mindful of this omission and using Northern Ireland as a case study, this article investigates the relationship between victimisation and attitudes towards the treatment of former political prisoners. Based on the 2011 Northern Ireland Social and Political Attitudes Survey, the results suggest that individual victims—those who directly and/or indirectly experienced violent incidents—are notably less supportive of a punitive approach towards the treatment of former political prisoners than non-victims. Moreover, this is particularly the case when victims from within the Catholic community are considered. The Northern Ireland evidence suggests that victims can act as a positive and inclusive force in terms of the rehabilitation and re-integration of former combatants in societies emerging from conflict.

Why Did the Soldiers Not Go Home?: Demobilized Combatants, Family Life, and Witchcraft in Postwar Mozambique

Drawing on the role of witchcraft in relationships between ex-RENAMO combatants and their relatives in central Mozambique, this article suggests a different understanding of reintegration processes of ex-combatants, not merely shaped by their role as perpetrators of violence, but situated in the complexities of social life. It is argued that the reintegration of former combatants in Mozambique was shaped by certain changes within family relations, which were contingent to the war (but not necessarily to war violence), creating an enabling environment for witchcraft dynamics, which influenced former combatants’ settlement decisions.

Grassroots and Rebellion: A Study on the Future of the Moro Struggle in Mindanao, Philippines

An important aspect in the resolution of civil conflict pertains to the political transition of rebel groups, dissipation of their command structures and reintegration of former combatants. In this paper, we draw on empirical data collected in select communities of Lanao, Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces of Mindanao, Philippines during June 2010 to explore future trends in civilian support for the main separatist rebel outfit in Mindanao – the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). We test variance in the existence of recruitment pools among the two main Muslim ethnic groups – the Maranao and the Maguindanao. Our findings suggest that recruitment into MILF is not simply about religion or ideology, this is a simplification of its underlying support base. Several factors such as geographic location, especially proximity to Armed Forces of the Philippines camps, and conflict-related impacts of displacement, together with disparity in governance delivery levels, have resulted in divergence in levels of support for the Bangsamoro struggle between the two main ethnic groups. These variables will have an impact on the future existence of the MILF as a rebel movement.

A re-conceptualisation of ex-combatant reintegration: ‘social reintegration’ approach

The social reintegration of former combatants is the most important aspect of the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) process, but there is a paucity of literature providing a clear understanding of its challenges and what it actually constitutes, and, more importantly, how it could be planned and implemented in peace-building environments. In order to respond to the lack of theory, the paper will use the desistance theory which outlines assistance models for ex-offenders' re-entry into society and addresses the question of how social reintegration can be perceived and structured effectively in the overall DDR operational landscape. The proposed approach is presented through a matrix of relationships between the elements of ‘emphasis on the combatant’ and ‘emphasis on the community’ in terms of ‘low’ and ‘high’ levels, resulting in the four main models for community re-entry: ‘self-demobilisation’, ‘reinsertion’, ‘community-located reintegration’ and ‘social reintegration’. Having explored what they constitute in the practice of DDR in the second part of the analysis section, the social reintegration approach, which is structured over the dimensions of ‘family and community’, ‘sustainable employment’ and ‘civic responsibilities’, will be elaborated in the final part.

Breaking up and Going Home? Contesting Two Assumptions in the Demobilization and Reintegration of Former Combatants

This article argues that the common assumptions that lie behind efforts to break the command and control structures of armed groups, and working on ‘community reintegration’, are not necessary prerequisites for a successful disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process. Former fighters may encounter troubles going home, as their communities of origin may not be as open to them as is often assumed. They may also have no other choice than to keep their military structures intact. However, this may not necessarily impede their social integration. In fact, the structures emerging from war may be relatively constructive for the socio-economic rehabilitation of former fighters.

Building Peace, Seeking Justice: A Population-Based Survey on Attitudes About Accountability and Social Reconstruction in the Central African Republic

Decades of political instability, state fragility, mismanagement, and a series of armed conflicts have led the Central African Republic (CAR) to a state of widespread violence and poverty. This study provides a better understanding of the scope and magnitude of violence in CAR and its consequences, as well as a snapshot of what the citizens of CAR believe is the best way to restore peace. It also examines the issue of justice and accountability for the serious crimes that were committed.This report provides the findings from a survey of 1,879 adults, residents of CAR, randomly selected in the capital city of Bangui, and the prefectures of Lobaye, Ombella M’Poko, Ouham, and Ouham Pende. These prefectures represent a large geographic area that account for 52% of the total population of CAR and have experienced varying levels of exposure to the conflicts. Locally trained teams conducted the interviews between November and December 2009. This report provides a detailed analysis of results on a wide range of topics related to population’s priorities and needs, exposure to violence, security, community cohesion and engagement, access to information, conflict resolution, reintegration of former combatants, transitional justice, and reparations for victims. Interviewers used an open-ended format and respondents could provide more than one answer to most questions.

Reconstructing Masculinities: The Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of Former Combatants in Colombia

A key component of peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction is the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants. I argue that DDR programs imply multiple transitions: from the combatants who lay down their weapons, to the governments that seek an end to armed conflict, to the communities that receive—or reject—these demobilized fighters. At each level, these transitions imply a complex equation between the demands of peace and the clamor for justice. However, traditional approaches to DDR have focused on military and security objectives, which have resulted in these programs being developed in relative isolation from the field of transitional justice and its concerns with historical clarification, justice, reparations, and reconciliation. Drawing upon my research with former combatants in Colombia, I argue that successful reintegration not only requires fusing the processes and goals of DDR programs with transitional justice measures, but that both DDR and transitional justice require a gendered analysis that includes an examination of the salient links between weapons, masculinities, and violence. Constructing certain forms of masculinity is not incidental to militarism: rather, it is essential to its maintenance. What might it mean to “add gender” to DDR and transitional justice processes if one defined gender to include men and masculinities, thus making these forms of identity visible and a focus of research and intervention? I explore how one might “add gender” to the DDR program in Colombia as one step toward successful reintegration, peace-building, and sustainable social change.

PeaceBuilding and Displacement in Northern Uganda: A Cross-sectional Study of Intentions to Move and Attitudes towards Former Combatants

Using data from a cross-sectional survey of internally displaced populations in northern Uganda, this article analyses individual-level determinants of attitudes toward peacebuilding processes, including returning home and the reintegration of former combatants. We find that perceptions of social services and livelihood opportunities at the current place of living and at return or resettlement sites influence individuals’ decisions to move as do attitudes toward former combatants. Furthermore, we show that internally displaced persons are a specific group with needs and attitudes that differ from those of others. Such empirical information must be taken into account for the successful development and implementation of peace and reconstruction programmes.

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