Repurposed Rebels: Postwar Rebel Networks in Liberia

Former rebel soldiers in Liberia have reemerged as security providers, challenging our understanding of postwar rebel networks and ex-combatant identity. Despite peace agreements and demobilization processes, these structures have lingered, and weak formal security institutions have contributed to the creation of an environment where informal initiatives for security and protection are called upon.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2020
Publisher: University of Georgia Press

Despite peace agreements, demobilization, and reintegration processes, the end of war does not automatically or necessarily make combatants abandon their wartime rebel networks. In Liberia, such structures have lingered long after the civil war came to an end in 2003. Weak formal security institutions with a history of predatory behavior have contributed to the creation of an environment where informal initiatives for security and protection are called upon. In fragile postwar settings, former soldiers can be used as intimidators but have paradoxically reemerged as security providers, challenging our understanding of both the setting and the actors beyond the sphere of war.

Based on original interview material and findings from fieldwork, Repurposed Rebels follows former rebel soldiers from the time of civil war to 2013. These actors have reemerged as recycled warriors in times of regional wars and crisis and as vigilantes and informal security providers for economic and political purposes. Through these actors, Mariam Bjarnesen examines the relevance of postwar rebel networks and ex-combatant identity in contemporary Liberia, with an eye to understanding the underlying aims of demobilization when reintegration is challenged. Bjarnesen argues that these ex-combatants have succeeded in reintegrating themselves due to, not despite, the fact that they have not been truly demobilized.

The book explores the complex dynamics between ex-combatants, their former rebel networks, and the state in postwar Liberia. It highlights the ways in which these actors navigate the challenges of reintegration, including the need to reconcile their wartime experiences with their civilian identities and the demands of postwar society. Bjarnesen argues that the reintegration of ex-combatants is not a linear process, but rather a multifaceted and contested one that is shaped by a range of factors, including social, economic, and political factors.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of informal security providers in postwar Liberia. Bjarnesen argues that these actors, who are often former rebel soldiers, have emerged as a critical source of security and protection in a country where formal security institutions are weak and corrupt. These informal security providers offer a range of services, including protection from violence, mediation in disputes, and the provision of basic services such as food and water. However, their role is not without its challenges, as they are often subject to political interference, criminalization, and violence.

Another theme of the book is the paradoxical nature of ex-combatant identity in postwar Liberia. Bjarnesen argues that while these actors have been successful in reintegrating themselves into civilian life, they continue to carry the scars of their wartime experiences. They may have lost loved ones, experienced violence, or witnessed the destruction of their communities. However, they also have a sense of purpose and belonging that is derived from their experiences as rebels. This identity is often shaped by a mix of pride, shame, and nostalgia, and it can be a source of both strength and vulnerability for these actors.

The book also explores the ways in which ex-combatants are used as political tools by both the state and other actors in postwar Liberia. Bjarnesen argues that the state has often sought to harness the power and influence of ex-combatants to promote its interests, including through the use of security forces and political parties. However, these actors are also vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation by other actors, including criminal gangs and political rivals.

In conclusion, Repurposed Rebels is a valuable contribution to the study of postwar conflict and reintegration. It offers a nuanced and empathetic understanding of the challenges faced by ex-combatants and their former rebel networks in postwar Liberia. By examining the role of informal security providers, ex-combatant identity, and the political uses of ex-combatants, Bjarnesen provides a valuable insight into the complex dynamics of postwar society. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of postwar conflict and the challenges of reintegration in fragile postwar settings.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780820357775