Shadows of the Past: Tracing Intergenerational Trauma in Seychelles

Authors

  • Diana Benoit Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

This article examines the intergenerational trauma resulting from the 1977 coup d’état in Seychelles, revealing how the psychological impacts experienced by victims continue to affect their descendants. The study highlights that trauma has manifested in the children of victims as anxiety, depression, and a pervasive sense of insecurity, underscoring the complex nature of healing in post-conflict societies. Through analysis of diverse emotional responses to the truth commission, ranging from relief to re-traumatization, the article illustrates the challenges of achieving collective healing. A significant collective call for reparations and justice has emerged, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment, accountability, and comprehensive redress to foster reconciliation. The study advocates for the implementation of holistic support systems, including psychological counselling, legal assistance, and community engagement initiatives tailored to the needs of affected populations. By exploring the transmission of trauma across generations, this research offers practical recommendations for breaking the cycle of suffering and promoting resilience within Seychelles. The findings have broader implications for other post-conflict societies, demonstrating the importance of integrating mental health care, justice mechanisms, and public acknowledgment of historical injustices into post-conflict recovery efforts. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of the enduring impacts of political violence and the critical need for comprehensive approaches to healing that address both individual and collective dimensions of trauma to foster a more just and resilient future.

Keywords: intergenerational trauma, Seychelles, post-conflict healing, truth commission, reparations and justice

Author Biography

Diana Benoit, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa

Diana Benoit is the Director of the James R. Mancham Peace and Diplomacy Research Institute at the University of Seychelles, which is an academic research institute that focuses on eastern Africa and the western Indian Ocean region. She is a founding member of the Institute and is actively involved in research projects on peace processes, conflict and security, transitional justice and restorative justice. She is currently researching transitional justice processes in small states, with a focus on mitigating the ongoing effects of trauma from the 1977 coup in the Seychelles.

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Published

2025-01-30

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2025): Proceedings from the 8th Global Issues Conference

Section

Global Issues Conference Proceedings

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