Reintegration Difficulties of Ex-Convicts: Reasons for Recidivism of Ex-Convicts in Cameroon

Abstract:

To obtain information on the reintegration difficulties faced by ex-convicts in Cameroon, data was obtained from 96 ex-convicts randomly selected from seven cities in Cameroon. The analysis of data revealed that majority of ex-convicts in Cameroon become recidivist after leaving prison because they are unable to reintegrate in their society. In Cameroon, ex-convicts are generally rejected by the society that continues to label them as criminals. They are rejected in family circles by wives, children and their siblings. It is very difficult for employers to grant them employment opportunities. In case they are employed, they are paid meagre salaries and easily dismissed if suspected of any offence sometimes even without any investigation. The rejection of ex-convicts by the society in Cameroon pushes the ex-convicts to vices such as drug and alcohol consumption and to crimes. This causes their re-imprisonment shortly after leaving prisons of Cameroon.