Reintegration as a Social Development Strategy for Liberia’s Ex-Child Soldiers: Addressing Structural Barriers

Abstract

The reintegration of ex-child soldiers remains a primary challenge for post-conflict nations. Very few studies have attempted to provide a structural description of ex-child soldiers’ reintegration experiences. This article reports three structural themes uncovered from a phenomenological inquiry into the lives of 34 ex-child soldiers in Liberia: poor administration at the program and government levels, constrained opportunities, and social marginalization. The findings support the need to strengthen and hold accountable reintegration structures geared toward ex-child soldiers’ well-being as they transition to civilian living.