The struggles of military widows in Africa

AFRICAN militaries are increasingly engaged in diverse operations, both within their own borders and across the continent. For instance, Nigeria faces ongoing security challenges in its north-west and north-east regions. South Africa has participated in regional peacekeeping efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), while Rwanda is also involved in the DRC conflict.

- FISAYO AJALA AND LINDY HEINECKEN

These interventions have resulted in substantial human losses for the armed forces of these nations. South Africa repatriated the bodies of 14 soldiers from its DRC missions, and reports indicate that an alarming number of Rwandan soldiers have lost their lives in the eastern DRC.

Additionally, the Nigerian military has suffered heavy losses in its prolonged struggle against the Islamist group Boko Haram and other non-state armed groups in the northern region of the country.

While the deaths of these soldiers are undeniably sacrificial and represent an inevitable aspect of war and military service more broadly, the impact of these sudden, traumatic, and violent deaths on the families left behind renders these losses inanimate. In commemoration of Africa Day on May 25, we reflect on the challenges of war widows who are left behind in the aftermath of combat deaths in military communities.

We also explain how these experiences create a perception of the military as an uncaring institution.

Using the example of Nigerian military widows in the war against Boko Haram, we argue for better treatment of military widows and families left behind in the aftermath of combat operations and other armed conflicts.

Widowhood is a social status resulting from armed conflict, diseases, and other natural and unnatural causes. Numerous conflicts in Africa have led to a significant increase in the number of war-affected widows, particularly military widows. The situation of military widows is grim — being the widow of a state soldier, especially in the context of armed conflict in Africa, is a double burden.