Shadows of past political violence shape the lives of young Africans for years – a study of nine countries

Senegalese peacekeepers on patrol in Bamako, Mali. Flickr, CC BY-NC

Political violence refers to the use of force by groups pursuing political goals. It can include attacks on civilians, armed clashes, riots and explosions, all of which cause obvious and immediate harm.

But the effects of political violence can continue long after the violence itself has ended.