Psychosocial: Moving Beyond Manipulation and Abuse

The Lomé Peace Agreement in 1999 ushered in new hopes and opportunities for reconciliation and coexistence. But three years later, young people are struggling with deep feelings of anger, disappointment and an enduring sense of what they call “marginalization.” Although no victor was declared, young people on all sides of the conflict feel that they are the vanquished. They see themselves as victimized by a peace that misrepresented itself and is not substantially improving their lives. Some of the most distressing and self-defeating manifestations of this mood are increasing divisions, resentment and competition among young people over scarce resources.

This document accompanies the Women’s Refugee Commission’s report: Precious Resources: Adolescents in the Reconstruction of Sierra Leone.