Ex-combatants, Security and Post-conflict Violence: Unpacking the Experience from Nepal

Abstract

As Nepali society has recently received a substantial number of demobilized but not adequately reintegrated Maoist ex-combatants, there is a concern regarding the ex-combatants' re-mobilization and re-engagement in violence. Yet, adequate knowledge and empirical evidences surrounding this are still wanting. Drawing on fieldworks conducted in Nepal between September and December 2011, and again between December 2012 and March 2013, this article studies ex-combatant's current and potential re-mobilization and post-conflict violence in which ex-combatants are or will be involved. Contending that ex-combatants cannot be homogenized, this article identifies three categories of Maoist ex-combatants: socially and economically engaged ex-combatants, (in)formal interest groups and politically active ex-combatants. It shows that each of the three categories of ex-combatants has different responses to security and violence in post-conflict period. It further argues that exploring the interface between various categories of ex-combatants, their re-mobilization vulnerability and the position and interest of re-mobilizing actors can better predict the outcomes of the ex-combatants violence. This article concludes that ex-combatant-led insecurity and violence including petty crimes have occurred increasingly at the micro level while the macro level threats at present are limited to confrontational, disruptive and violent political actions rather than re-mobilization in another insurgency.