Unusual Suspects: Religion, Chieftaincy, and Post-Conflict Reintegration in Sierra Leone

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with the long-term reintegration of Sierra Leone’s ex-combatants. Using the indicators of education, employment, inter-marriage, social stigma, and crime, this thesis argues that the long-term social, economic, and political reintegration of Sierra Leone’s ex-combatants has been widely successful. This research then identifies the initiatives of pre-existing civil society organizations (CSOs) in the form of mosques, churches, and the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone as the primary facilitators of this success. Complementing these efforts is the contribution of traditional authorities in reinforcing the notions of acceptance and by performing cleansing ceremonies and rituals. Through their joint efforts, these institutions were able to foster and reinforce the pre-existing discourse and shared values of national cohesion, tolerance, and acceptance familiar to the majority of Sierra Leoneans.