Social Work and Political Violence in Africa's Great Lakes Region

Summary This article discusses the manifestations of political violence and associated challenges for social work in Africa's Great Lakes region. Theoretical reflections refer to Galtung's “triangle of violence” model which analyses the interrelation of direct, structural, and cultural forms of violence. Based on this conceptual framework, the article presents a definition of political violence with a focus on human rights violations against the civilian population. Three case studies examining the relationship between political violence and social work are provided: conflict-related sexual violence in eastern Congo; the Rwandan genocide and its aftermath; and the discrimination and persecution of sexual minorities in Uganda. Findings Social work in these countries is confronted with a myriad of structural and social problems. Although political violence is not a specific area of practice for social workers, they regularly deal with its consequences. They work in dangerous contexts of armed conflict and political oppression, facing harassment and intimidation from authorities. When they advocate for human rights and social justice, they risk being publicly discredited, attacked, and persecuted by unjust judicial systems. Applications To respond adequately to political violence, social workers must intervene at micro, meso, and macro levels. While social work practitioners address the immediate consequences of political violence, social work educators, researchers, and professional associations also play a vital role. The political mandate of social work and the profession’s discursive power can serve as catalysts for positive social change.