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Shadows of the Past: Tracing Intergenerational Trauma in Seychelles 

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 

Tracing Intergenerational Trauma in Seychelles 

The 1977 coup d’état in Seychelles marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, 
instigating a period of political upheaval and societal turmoil that continues to resonate 
across generations. This event, characterized by the violent overthrow of the government, 
resulted in widespread human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, forced 
disappearances, and a climate of fear that pervaded daily life (Shillington, 2009). While 
the immediate victims of the coup have been acknowledged in historical accounts, the 
enduring impact on their descendants has received comparatively less attention. This 
study aims to fill this gap by exploring the phenomenon of intergenerational trauma, 

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whereby the psychological scars of the past are transmitted from parents to children, 
influencing the mental health and social well-being of subsequent generations. 

Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of emotional and psychological effects 
of trauma across generations, often resulting in similar or related patterns of distress 
among descendants who did not directly experience the original traumatic events (Danieli, 
1998). This concept has been extensively studied in various post-conflict societies, such 
as those affected by the Holocaust, apartheid in South Africa, and the genocides in 
Rwanda and Cambodia, revealing a persistent legacy of suffering that transcends time 
and direct experience (Yehuda et al., 2016). In Seychelles, the legacy of the coup has 
been largely overlooked in public discourse and policy, yet the findings of this study 
underscore its profound and enduring impact on the children of those who lived through 
the turmoil. 

The study conducted in Seychelles reveals that trauma experienced by the victims of the 
coup continues to affect their children, manifesting in various forms such as anxiety, 
depression, and a pervasive sense of insecurity. These psychological effects are not 
merely isolated instances but are indicative of a broader pattern of emotional distress that 
has been passed down through familial and societal lines (Chung & Bemak, 2002). The 
complexity of healing in post-conflict societies is further highlighted by the diverse 
emotional responses observed among individuals engaging with the truth commission, 
ranging from relief and closure to re-traumatization. This variability in response 
underscores the challenges in addressing historical injustices and the intricate process of 
collective healing (Hamber, 2009). 

A significant collective call for reparations and justice has emerged among the affected 
populations, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment and redress to foster healing. 
The demands for reparations are not solely about financial compensation but are deeply 
rooted in the need for official recognition of the harm suffered and a commitment to 
address the wrongs of the past (Laplante, 2008). This study advocates for comprehensive 
support systems, including psychological counselling, legal assistance, and community 
engagement, tailored to the specific needs of affected populations. Such measures are 
crucial not only for alleviating individual suffering but also for promoting resilience and 
stability within Seychelles, contributing to the broader understanding of trauma 
transmission in post-conflict contexts. 

By highlighting the ongoing impact of the coup on subsequent generations, this work aims 
to shed light on the long-term consequences of political violence and the critical 
importance of addressing intergenerational trauma in the pursuit of societal healing and 
justice. 

Intergenerational Trauma in Post-Conflict Contexts 

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Intergenerational trauma, also known as transgenerational trauma, is a psychological 
phenomenon in which the effects of trauma experienced by one generation are passed 
down to subsequent generations. This transmission occurs through complex mechanisms 
that include behavioural patterns, psychological responses, and even genetic alterations, 
which together influence how descendants of trauma survivors experience and cope with 
their environments (Yehuda et al., 2018). Intergenerational trauma has been observed in 
various contexts, such as among descendants of Holocaust survivors, Indigenous 
populations affected by colonialism, and communities recovering from civil conflicts and 
genocides. In the case of Seychelles, the trauma inflicted by the coup d’état has similarly 
permeated the lives of the children and grandchildren of those directly affected, shaping 
their mental health and social realities. 

The concept of intergenerational trauma challenges the traditional understanding of 
trauma as a singular event with isolated impacts. Instead, it highlights the enduring nature 
of traumatic experiences and their capacity to influence multiple generations. This is often 
facilitated by maladaptive coping mechanisms adopted by the original trauma survivors, 
such as avoidance, hypervigilance, or emotional numbing, which can become embedded 
in family dynamics and social interactions (Kellermann, 2001). In Seychelles, many 
survivors of the coup endured prolonged periods of fear, mistrust, and instability, 
conditions that have been internalised and mirrored by their descendants as chronic 
anxiety, depression, and a pervasive sense of insecurity. 

Research on intergenerational trauma has identified several pathways through which 
trauma is transmitted across generations. These include direct communication of 
traumatic experiences, where survivors share their narratives with their children, often 
framed by unresolved grief or bitterness (Danieli, 1998). Conversely, silence and secrecy 
about the traumatic past can also be detrimental, as children may perceive this as a taboo 
topic, leading to a sense of mystery or danger associated with their heritage (Kaitz et al., 
2009). Biological pathways have also been explored, with studies suggesting that trauma 
can induce epigenetic changes that affect stress responses in descendants, although the 
exact mechanisms and their implications remain areas of ongoing research (Yehuda & 
Lehrner, 2018). 

In Seychelles, the consequences of the coup extend beyond the immediate victims to 
affect the social fabric of the community. The study findings suggest that descendants of 
those impacted by the coup experience significant emotional and psychological 
challenges, often without a clear understanding of their origins. This intergenerational 
impact is compounded by a lack of formal recognition or support for trauma survivors, 
leaving families to grapple with the legacy of the past on their own. Moreover, societal 
narratives that either glorify or dismiss the coup complicate the healing process, as 
individuals struggle to reconcile their personal histories with broader public discourses. 

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Addressing intergenerational trauma in Seychelles requires a holistic approach that 
considers both the historical context and the contemporary needs of affected populations. 
This includes creating spaces for dialogue and acknowledgment, providing access to 
mental health resources, and fostering resilience through community engagement. By 
understanding and addressing the intergenerational impacts of trauma, Seychelles and 
similar post-conflict societies can work towards breaking the cycle of suffering and 
building a more stable and resilient future. 

Impact of the Coup on Victims and Descendants 

The 1977 coup d’état in Seychelles not only altered the nation’s political landscape but 
also left deep psychological scars on those who lived through it. The violent overthrow of 
the government and the subsequent years of repression resulted in widespread human 
rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, torture, forced exile, and the suppression of 
dissent (Shillington, 2009). While the immediate impacts on the direct victims have been 
documented, the long-term effects on their descendants reveal a more pervasive and 
enduring form of suffering, manifesting as intergenerational trauma. This section explores 
how the coup’s legacy continues to affect the children of those who experienced the 
events firsthand, contributing to a cycle of anxiety, depression, and insecurity that persists 
in Seychelles today. 

For many descendants of the coup’s victims, the trauma experienced by their parents has 
significantly shaped their mental and emotional development. Studies on 
intergenerational trauma suggest that children of trauma survivors often exhibit 
heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, even when they 
have not directly experienced the traumatic events themselves (Kaitz et al., 2009). In 
Seychelles, this pattern is evident among the descendants of those affected by the coup. 
Interviews and surveys conducted as part of the study reveal that many individuals report 
experiencing a pervasive sense of insecurity and fear, which they attribute to the stories 
and behaviours of their parents. This inherited anxiety is not merely a reflection of 
personal disposition but is deeply rooted in the collective memory of violence and 
instability that characterised the post-coup period. 

One of the key ways in which trauma is transmitted across generations is through family 
dynamics and communication patterns. In many Seychellois families affected by the coup, 
the traumatic experiences of parents were either directly communicated to their children 
or manifested in their behaviour and attitudes. Some parents spoke openly about their 
suffering, recounting stories of imprisonment, torture, or loss of loved ones. While this 
openness provided a context for understanding the past, it also served as a constant 
reminder of the dangers associated with political dissent and the fragility of personal 
safety (Danieli, 1998). Conversely, in other families, the trauma was shrouded in silence, 
with parents avoiding discussions of the past to protect their children from pain or to shield 
themselves from re-traumatization. This silence often created a sense of mystery and 

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fear, leaving children to imagine the worst and internalise a sense of unease about their 
identity and place in society. 

The psychological impact of the coup on descendants is further compounded by the 
socio-political environment in Seychelles, where narratives of the coup remain contested 
and politicised. For many descendants, the lack of a clear and unified public 
acknowledgment of the suffering caused by the coup exacerbates their sense of injustice 
and alienation. The truth commission established to address past human rights abuses 
has provided some victims and their families with a platform for acknowledgment and 
redress. However, the emotional responses to these processes have been varied. While 
some individuals found participating in the truth commission to be a cathartic experience, 
others felt re-traumatised by recounting their stories or felt that the commission’s efforts 
were insufficient in addressing their needs (Hamber, 2009). This divergence in 
experiences highlights the complexity of healing in post-conflict societies, where 
individual and collective needs may not always align. 

Moreover, the impact of the coup extends beyond mental health to influence broader 
social and economic outcomes for descendants. Many children of coup victims grew up 
in environments marked by economic hardship, social marginalisation, and limited access 
to educational and employment opportunities. The coup disrupted the lives of many 
families, leading to forced displacement, the loss of property, and diminished social 
capital. These conditions have had lasting effects on the socio-economic mobility of 
descendants, who often find themselves grappling with the dual burdens of inherited 
trauma and structural disadvantage (Laplante, 2008). The cumulative impact of these 
factors can lead to a sense of hopelessness and disconnection from broader societal 
goals, further entrenching the cycle of trauma and inequality. 

Addressing the ongoing impact of the coup on victims and their descendants requires a 
multifaceted approach that goes beyond individual psychological interventions. While 
mental health support, such as counselling and therapy, is crucial, there is also a need 
for systemic changes that address the socio-economic and political dimensions of 
intergenerational trauma. This includes efforts to promote social justice, such as 
reparations, legal assistance, and community engagement initiatives that foster resilience 
and a sense of urgency among affected populations. Importantly, creating spaces for 
open dialogue and acknowledgment of the past can help to bridge the divide between 
personal and collective memory, allowing for a more comprehensive healing process 
(Chung & Bemak, 2002). 

Diverse Emotional Responses to the Truth Commission 

The establishment of the truth commission in Seychelles was a critical step towards 
addressing the historical injustices stemming from the coup. Tasked with uncovering the 
truth about human rights abuses, facilitating reconciliation, and recommending 

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reparations, the commission aimed to provide a platform for victims and their families to 
share their stories and seek acknowledgment. However, the emotional responses to the 
truth commission among affected individuals have been diverse, reflecting the complex 
nature of trauma and healing in post-conflict societies. These varied reactions underscore 
the challenges of pursuing collective healing while accommodating the personal and often 
deeply individualised needs of those impacted by past violence. 

For some victims and their descendants, participating in the truth commission provided a 
sense of relief and validation. The opportunity to publicly recount their experiences and 
have them formally recognised by a state institution offered a form of psychological 
closure that had previously been unavailable. This acknowledgment of their suffering was 
seen as a vital step towards healing, not just for the individuals involved but also for the 
broader community. The act of telling one’s story and having it heard without dismissal or 
minimisation helped some participants process their trauma and feel a renewed sense of 
agency over their narratives (Hamber, 2009). For these individuals, the truth commission 
represented a chance to reclaim a part of their personal history that had been 
overshadowed by silence and denial. 

However, not all experiences with the truth commission were positive. For some, 
recounting their traumatic pasts in a formal setting led to re-traumatisation, as they were 
compelled to relive painful memories and confront unresolved emotions. The process of 
testifying before the commission, which often involved revisiting deeply personal and 
distressing events, triggered feelings of anger, sadness, and vulnerability. In some cases, 
the perceived lack of a tangible outcome, such as concrete reparations or justice for 
perpetrators, left participants feeling disillusioned and frustrated (Laplante, 2008). This 
sense of being let down by the process exacerbated their suffering, as it seemed to 
reinforce the notion that their pain would never be adequately addressed or remedied. 

Furthermore, there were those who felt ambivalent about the truth commission, 
recognising its symbolic importance but questioning its practical effectiveness. For some 
participants, the commission’s work was seen as a necessary but insufficient step 
towards justice and healing. They appreciated the effort to document and acknowledge 
past abuses but felt that the commission fell short in providing meaningful reparations or 
accountability measures. This ambivalence reflects a broader scepticism towards truth 
commissions in general, where the symbolic acts of truth-telling and reconciliation are 
often weighed against the concrete needs for justice, reparations, and systemic change 
(Brounéus, 2008). The feeling of ambivalence suggests that, while truth commissions can 
play an important role in addressing historical trauma, they are not a panacea and must 
be complemented by broader initiatives that address the socio-economic and legal 
dimensions of post-conflict recovery. 

The diverse emotional responses to the truth commission in Seychelles highlight the 
multifaceted nature of trauma and the complexities involved in collective healing. The 

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truth commission’s work, while valuable in providing a space for narrative and 
acknowledgment, also illuminated the deeply personal and varied ways in which 
individuals engage with their traumatic histories. Some found solace and closure, while 
others experienced renewed pain or remained sceptical of the process’s efficacy. These 
differing responses underscore the importance of tailoring post-conflict interventions to 
meet the varied needs of affected populations, recognising that healing is not a one-size-
fits-all process but a journey that requires sensitivity, flexibility, and a willingness to 
address both individual and collective grievances. 

To foster a more comprehensive approach to healing, it is essential to supplement the 
work of truth commission with additional support systems, such as mental health services, 
community engagement initiatives, and legal recourse for victims. Acknowledging the 
diverse emotional landscapes of those affected by past violence can help build a more 
inclusive and effective path towards reconciliation and recovery. By understanding and 
addressing the broad spectrum of emotional responses, Seychelles can better navigate 
the delicate process of coming to terms with its past and moving towards a more just and 
harmonious future. 

Collective Call for Reparations and Justice 

The legacy of the coup in Seychelles has not only left deep psychological scars but also 
ignited a powerful collective call for reparations and justice among the affected 
communities. For many victims and their descendants, the trauma of past abuses- 
ranging from arbitrary arrests and torture to forced exile and the loss of livelihoods- 
remains a painful and unresolved chapter of their lives. The call for reparations and justice 
is driven by a need for acknowledgment, redress, and a sense of closure that has eluded 
many despite the establishment of the truth commission. This section explores the nature 
of these demands, the challenges they face, and the broader implications for healing and 
reconciliation in post-conflict Seychelles. 

Reparations, in the context of post-conflict justice, are measures intended to compensate 
victims for the harm they have suffered and to restore, as far as possible, their dignity and 
rights. In Seychelles, the call for reparations is not limited to financial compensation but 
also encompasses symbolic acts such as official apologies, public memorialisation, and 
the restoration of confiscated properties. Victims and their families have expressed a 
strong desire for the state to acknowledge the wrongs of the past formally, with many 
viewing such acknowledgment as a critical component of the healing process (de Greiff, 
2006). The demand for reparations reflects a collective yearning for validation and 
recognition of the pain endured, as well as a practical need to address the material and 
psychological consequences of historical injustices. 

Justice, as called for by the victims, involves holding perpetrators accountable for their 
actions and ensuring that the truth about past abuses is publicly acknowledged. In many 

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cases, perpetrators of the coup’s associated human rights violations have never been 
brought to justice, either due to a lack of political will or legal constraints that prevent 
retrospective accountability. This lack of accountability has been a significant source of 
frustration and anger for victims and their descendants, who perceive it as a continuation 
of the injustice they have long endured (Laplante, 2008). For these individuals, justice is 
not merely about punishment but about affirming the rule of law and the principle that all 
individuals, regardless of their status, are subject to accountability. 

The pursuit of reparations and justice in Seychelles faces several challenges, including 
political resistance, limited resources, and societal divisions regarding the legacy of the 
coup. Political resistance often stems from concerns that revisiting the past could 
destabilise the current political landscape or reopen old wounds. Moreover, the financial 
and logistical constraints of providing reparations to a large number of victims can be 
daunting, especially for a small island nation with limited economic resources (Borer, 
2009). Furthermore, societal divisions about the coup, where some segments of the 
population may view the events of 1977 through a more sympathetic or ambivalent lens, 
complicate the process of building consensus on what justice and reparations should 
entail. 

Despite these challenges, the collective call for reparations and justice remains an 
important aspect of the healing process in Seychelles. Reparations serve not only to 
address the individual needs of victims but also to contribute to the broader goals of 
societal reconciliation and the rebuilding of trust between citizens and the state. By 
acknowledging past wrongs and taking concrete steps to redress them, the government 
can signal its commitment to human rights and the rule of law, thereby fostering a more 
inclusive and cohesive national identity. Moreover, justice for past abuses can help to 
break the cycle of impunity, ensuring that future generations do not suffer from similar 
injustices. 

To effectively address the collective call for reparations and justice, a comprehensive 
approach is needed - one that goes beyond symbolic gestures and provides tangible 
support to those affected. This includes legal reforms to facilitate accountability, financial 
compensation where appropriate, and the establishment of community-based initiatives 
that promote dialogue, education, and reconciliation. By addressing both the material and 
emotional needs of victims, Seychelles can take significant steps towards healing the 
wounds of the past and building a more resilient and just society. 

Recommendations for Support Systems 

Addressing the legacy of the coup in Seychelles requires a comprehensive approach that 
not only acknowledges the past but also provides practical support to victims and their 
descendants. Given the multifaceted nature of intergenerational trauma, a robust support 
system is essential to foster healing, resilience, and long-term stability. This section 

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outlines key recommendations for support systems that should be implemented to 
address the unique needs of those affected by the coup, with a focus on psychological 
counselling, legal assistance, community engagement, and educational initiatives. 

Psychological Counselling and Mental Health Support 

One of the primary recommendations is the establishment of accessible psychological 
counselling services tailored specifically to the needs of trauma survivors and their 
descendants. Mental health support should include individual and group therapy sessions 
facilitated by trained professionals who are well-versed in trauma-informed care. These 
services should be culturally sensitive and incorporate local understandings of mental 
health to ensure they resonate with the affected communities. Additionally, providing 
trauma education and resilience training can empower individuals and families to better 
understand and manage the long-term effects of intergenerational trauma (Silove, 2013). 
Integrating these services into existing community health structures would enhance 
accessibility and reduce the stigma often associated with seeking mental health care. 

Legal Assistance and Advocacy 

Legal assistance is crucial for victims seeking justice and reparations for past abuses. 
Many survivors and their families may face significant legal and bureaucratic hurdles in 
pursuing their claims, including navigating complex legal systems and understanding their 
rights. Providing free or subsidised legal aid can help these individuals advocate for their 
rights, seek reparations, and hold perpetrators accountable where possible. Legal clinics 
or partnerships with human rights organisations could offer a practical avenue for 
delivering this support, ensuring that victims have the resources and knowledge needed 
to engage effectively with the legal process (de Greiff, 2006). Advocacy efforts should 
also focus on pushing for legal reforms that facilitate the recognition of historical injustices 
and provide clear pathways for reparations and redress. 

Community Engagement and Dialogue Initiatives 

Community engagement plays a vital role in the healing process by fostering dialogue, 
understanding, and reconciliation among affected populations. Creating safe spaces for 
open dialogue - such as community forums, workshops, and storytelling events - can help 
individuals share their experiences, validate their feelings, and connect with others who 
have similar histories. These initiatives can also serve as platforms for educating the 
broader public about the impacts of the coup, helping to bridge societal divisions and build 
a more inclusive narrative around the nation’s history (Hamber, 2009). Additionally, 
community-led support groups and peer-to-peer counselling can complement formal 
mental health services, providing ongoing social support and strengthening communal 
bonds. 

Educational Programmes and Historical Acknowledgment 

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Educational programmes that incorporate the history of the coup and its impacts into the 
national curriculum can play a crucial role in preventing the erasure of this traumatic past 
and fostering a more informed and empathetic society. By teaching future generations 
about the coup, its consequences, and the resilience of those affected, Seychelles can 
promote a culture of acknowledgment and respect for human rights. These programmes 
should be developed in consultation with affected communities to ensure they accurately 
reflect their experiences and perspectives (Borer, 2009). Public memorialisation, such as 
commemorative events or monuments, can further enhance the acknowledgment of 
victims and provide a collective space for reflection and remembrance. 

Tailored Socio-Economic Support 

Finally, targeted socio-economic support is essential to address the broader impacts of 
intergenerational trauma, which often include economic hardship and social 
marginalisation. Programmes aimed at improving access to education, vocational 
training, and employment opportunities for descendants of coup victims can help break 
the cycle exclusion that many affected families experience. Microfinance initiatives, 
scholarships, and community development projects can empower individuals to rebuild 
their lives and contribute positively to their communities (Chung & Bemak, 2002). By 
addressing the socio-economic dimensions of trauma, these support systems can help 
foster long-term resilience and stability. 

Implications for Post-Conflict Societies 

The findings from the study on the coup in Seychelles have broader implications for post-
conflict societies around the world. The persistence of intergenerational trauma among 
the descendants of those affected by the coup highlights the long-term impacts of political 
violence and underscores the importance of addressing historical injustices to promote 
healing and stability. For post-conflict societies, this study serves as a reminder that the 
consequences of conflict are not confined to the immediate aftermath but can ripple 
across generations, influencing the mental health, social cohesion, and economic 
prospects of entire communities. 

One of the key implications is the need for comprehensive and multi-dimensional 
approaches to post-conflict recovery that go beyond conventional truth and reconciliation 
processes. While truth commissions and similar initiatives play a fundamental role in 
acknowledging past abuses and fostering dialogue, they are often insufficient on their 
own to address the deep-seated psychological and socio-economic needs of affected 
populations. As seen in Seychelles, the diverse emotional responses to the truth 
commission reveal that healing is a highly individualised process, requiring tailored 
support systems that include psychological counselling, legal assistance, and socio-
economic interventions (Hamber, 2009). Post-conflict societies must therefore prioritise 

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holistic approaches that integrate mental health care, justice mechanisms, and 
community engagement to effectively address the legacies of trauma. 

Another significant implication is the importance of acknowledging and validating the 
experiences of all victims, including those whose suffering may not have been directly 
visible during the conflict. In many post-conflict settings, there is a risk of marginalising or 
overlooking the descendants of trauma survivors, who may bear the burden of their 
ancestors’ experiences without explicit recognition. Ensuring that reparations, 
educational programmes, and public memorialisation efforts include these second and 
third generations is vital for breaking the cycle of trauma and fostering a sense of inclusion 
and justice (de Greiff, 2006). 

Furthermore, the study underscores the role of education and public discourse in shaping 
collective memory and societal healing. Post-conflict societies must actively work to 
integrate honest and inclusive accounts of their histories into educational curricula and 
public narratives. This approach helps future generations understand the complexities of 
their past, learn from it, and work towards a more equitable and empathetic society. Public 
acknowledgment of historical injustices, through both formal and informal means, is 
essential in building a foundation for reconciliation and unity (Borer, 2009). 

Conclusion 

The study of intergenerational trauma in Seychelles following the 1977 coup d’état reveals 
the enduring impacts of political violence on both direct victims and their descendants. 
The trauma experienced by those who lived through the coup has permeated subsequent 
generations, manifesting in various forms such as anxiety, depression, and a pervasive 
sense of insecurity. These psychological effects underscore the complexity of healing in 
post-conflict societies and highlight the importance of addressing not only the immediate 
consequences of conflict but also the long-term and often hidden legacies of trauma. 

A key finding of the study is the diverse emotional responses to the truth commission, 
which reflect the deeply personal nature of trauma and the varied needs of those affected. 
While some individuals found relief and closure in recounting their experiences, others 
felt re-traumatised or dissatisfied with the outcomes, pointing to the limitations of one-
size-fits-all approaches to reconciliation and justice. This highlights the necessity for 
tailored support systems that address the specific mental health, legal, and socio-
economic needs of victims and their descendants. Comprehensive interventions, 
including psychological counselling, legal assistance, community engagement, and 
educational initiatives, are essential in fostering resilience and promoting long-term 
healing. 

The collective call for reparations and justice in Seychelles illustrates a broader demand 
for acknowledgment, accountability, and redress. For many, reparations are not solely 

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about financial compensation but also about the need for official recognition of their 
suffering and a commitment to rectify past wrongs. Addressing these calls is crucial for 
building trust between the state and its citizens and for creating a foundation for 
sustainable peace and reconciliation. The study emphasises that justice in post-conflict 
societies must go beyond punitive measures and include restorative approaches that 
validate the experiences of victims and foster societal healing. 

The implications of this study extend beyond Seychelles, offering valuable insights for 
other post-conflict societies grappling with the legacies of historical trauma. The 
persistence of intergenerational trauma underscores the importance of holistic and 
inclusive approaches to post-conflict recovery. By integrating mental health support, legal 
reforms, community dialogue, and public acknowledgment of past abuses, societies can 
work towards breaking the cycle of trauma and building a more just and resilient future. 

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Author Notes 

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. 

http://www.gpejournal.org/
https://doi.org/10.1097/WTF.0000000000000005
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https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20568

