Reintegrating Congolese Ex-Combatants Into the Labour Market

Democratic Republic of the Congo's relationship with neighboring countries has often been characterised by security concerns, which led to complicate, interlocking, and shifting alliances. Domestic armed conflicts in countries such as Central African Republic and others have at various times created bilateral and regional tensions. The current status quo in east of the DRC came from foreign rebels' use of its territory as a base for attacking their own home countries and the Congolese Government's incapability to secure its own borders. Leading to recurring armed conflicts. This study documents the reintegration based on a sample of ex-combatants living in South Africa and in the DRC. Using data from 50 Congolese ex-combatants aged between 18 and 50 years, this study analyses the challenges faced by the DRC to reintegrate its demobilised former soldiers into the labour market and provide them with livelihoods, depending on their skills and training. Different livelihood options & required trainings are discussed in this research. A qualitative methodology was most appropriate in orde to understand the DRC's reintegration process. Peace researchrs will find this very interesting.