Injured fighters : traumatisation and contention in post-colonial states

In this special issue it has become clear that many ex-combatants did not simply reintegrate into society after independence. This article provides an additional perspective to the socio-political frame of contentious politics dominant in the special issue. A key element to explain their difficult ‘reintegration’ and to understand why former fighters challenged the state, is provided by trauma.

The traumatisation of fighters, caused by warfare in the name of national goals, was exacerbated when the new state did not recognise their sacrifices. The resulting anger felt by many ex-combatants, was fuel for political contention.