Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

12-2010

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Pan-African Studies

Committee Chair

Njoku, Raphael Chijioke

Subject

Sierra Leone--History--Civil War, 1991-2002--Causes; Sierra Leone--Social conditions; Postwar reconstruction--Sierra Leone

Abstract

This multilayered study is an appraisal of some of the ongoing post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Sierra Leone in light of the causes of the conflict, which lasted from 1991-2002. It begins by providing a critical examination of the historical antecedents leading up to the war. The problems of colonialism which brought together different nationalities under one political umbrella by force of arm, along with other motley of issues such as corrupt leadership and inter-ethnic violence led to the outbreak of war in 1991. Although different studies have discussed these factors, very few, if any, have tried to make a connection between causation and reconstruction with a view to find a lasting peace. The aim of the study, therefore, is to appraise the ongoing post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Sierra Leone in light of the causes of the conflict. No lasting peace will be achieved unless there are practical steps addressing the very structures that brought about the war. A central focus is to gain some insights on the successes and failures of the ongoing reconstruction programs. The findings of the study conclude that the post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Sierra Leone have been moderately successful at best. If basic needs such as educational and health care reform, as well as employment opportunities for youth are not met, Sierra Leone will continue to carry a cloud where conditions are still ripe for conflict.

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