Esquisse d'une analyse psychopathologique de la souffrance des populations du nord Bénin confrontées au terrorisme

Background and objective

The commune of Kérou in northern Benin, due to its geographical location, is a victim of the negative externalities of terrorist activity. As a result, it is the scene of intense jihadist activity, with the corollary of total insecurity causing psychological suffering among its populations. Focusing on people's psychotraumatic experiences, this research aims to understand and describe the psychopathological manifestations of people's suffering in the face of jihadist attacks, and the community support strategies implemented by the people themselves in the absence of formal psychological care for victims.

Methods

Using a sample of 177 individuals (direct and indirect victims of jihadist attacks, military personnel, mental health specialists and policy-makers), selected by the sampling techniques “snowball”, “accidental choice” and “choice by convenience”, data were collected by means of a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The qualitative information gathered was subjected to thematic content analysis. Quantitative data, once processed, was subjected to a descriptive statistical analysis. The psychoanalytical theory of trauma was used to shed light on the psychological suffering of the victims.

Results

After triangulation and analysis of the data, it emerges that acts of terrorism have a profound impact on the daily lives of victimized populations. Social dynamics are undermined, with community resilience mechanisms dysfunctional. The psychopathological fallout from these terrorist attacks is so virulent that many people suffer from anxiety or depression. They present serious psychopathological decompensation and post-traumatic stress. Against this backdrop of severe psychopathological suffering, psychological care for the victims is non-existent.

Conclusion

The results of this research have drawn the attention of political and administrative authorities, national and international organizations to the urgent need to set up a psychological care team to support the victims of the terrorist attacks in the commune of Kérou. They can also serve as a basis for any psychologist working to develop a psychotrauma intervention to help the victims. These results also help to raise awareness among communities and families of the need to strengthen community support and resilience mechanisms to ensure victims' psychological and social well-being.