The Psychosocial Legacies of Forced Conscription: Assessing Rehabilitation Networks in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 5, No. 5, May 2014 | pp. 361–369

DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000062

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: The Psychosocial Legacies of Forced Conscription: Assessing Rehabilitation Networks in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone

Names of Authors: Sahr Mathew Kamara¹, Ousmane Diallo²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Psychology, Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone; ²Department of Sociology, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal

Abstract: Abstract: The successful long-term reintegration of ex-combatants into post-conflict communities remains a critical factor in preventing urban social instability. This study presents a longitudinal evaluation of psychological rehabilitation outcomes among 300 former conscripts five years after completing formal disarmament programs. Mental health and social adaptation scores were measured using standardized clinical tracking profiles measuring post-traumatic stress symptoms, economic self-sufficiency, and community acceptance metrics. The empirical findings reveal that high levels of trauma remain persistent, with 44% of participants meeting clinical thresholds for chronic PTSD (Mean Score = 47.8 ± 5.4). Regression analysis demonstrates that persistent community stigmatization and a lack of formal education access are the strongest predictors of prolonged psychological distress (R² = 0.54, p < 0.001). Conversely, structured participation in traditional community cleansing ceremonies was significantly associated with positive social adjustment scores. The study demonstrates that short-term disarmament frameworks fail to resolve lifelong trauma, highlighting the necessity of embedding long-term psychosocial support into regional public health networks.

Keywords: Forced Conscription, Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Ex-Combatant Reintegration, PTSD, Sierra Leone, Longitudinal Study, Community Healing

Manuscript Timeline: Received: December 10, 2013; Revised: February 14, 2014; Accepted: March 20, 2014; Published: May 24, 2014

Citation: Kamara, S. M., & Diallo, O. (2014). The Psychosocial Legacies of Forced Conscription: Assessing Rehabilitation Networks in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(5), 361–369. DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000062

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