Dissertation Defense: Romuald Lenou

Uncovering the Social Reintegration of Former Child Soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo

This dissertation provides an in-depth exploration of the complex challenges former child soldiers face in their journey toward reintegration. Through a qualitative narrative approach, this research captures the experiences of these individuals, emphasizing the importance of social identity, social capital, and legal protection in successful reintegration. The dissertation draws from interviews with former child soldiers, NGOs, and community leaders, highlighting the critical role of economic empowerment and community trust-building. It identifies key areas for improving current reintegration programs, offering practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners. By bridging theoretical frameworks with real-world experiences, this work sheds light on the multifaceted obstacles to reintegration, offering strategies to improve outcomes and contribute to post-conflict recovery in the DRC.

Committee Members:

Dr. Daniel Rothbart- Professor at the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution (Committee Chair)

Dr. Patricia Maulden-- Professor at Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Dr. Philip Martin- Assistant Professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government