The politics of post-war demobilisation and reintegration in Nigeria

With an increasing international interest in post civil war demobilisation and reintegration, especially in Africa as exemplified by writings on post war Mozambique, Angola, and Zimbabwe, as well as the growing acknowledgement of the importance of the welfare of demobilised ex-combatants in civil society, Ojeleye presents a well timed body of knowledge on the Nigerian civil war. This book provides an in-depth study of the modalities and processes of the demobilisation and reintegration exercises carried out at the end of the Nigerian civil war and in the process, assesses their implications for national politics in the West African nation. The author identifies the political, socio-economic and cultural background to the Nigerian civil war and discusses the central theme of demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration (DDR) in Nigeria against the backdrop of the policy of the country's post war reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation exercise (the 3Rs). Though the central theme is Nigeria, it compares the demobilisation and reintegration exercise in Nigeria with other attempts in Sub Sahara Africa by highlighting the important deviations and drawing some conclusions on the Nigerian experience. It also touches on issues relating to international involvement and intervention in civil wars and the roles of the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations. -- Book cover. Includes bibliographical references and index. xvi, 194 pages ; 25 cm