Beyond Walls: Identity Reconfigurations and Social Drivers of Post-Release Reintegration of Juvenile Offenders in Burundi

This article explores the socio-relational dynamics shaping the post-release reintegration of juvenile offenders in Burundi, with a focus on identity reconfigurations and community-based support systems. Adopting an interpretive qualitative approach, the study combines semi-structured interviews and participant observation conducted between January and April 2025 in Bujumbura-Mairie and Gitega provinces. A purposive sample of 17 participants (including formerly detained youth, family members, institutional actors, and community stakeholders) was analyzed using inductive thematic coding. The analytical framework draws on social capital theory and stigma theory to examine how social ties and societal perceptions influence reintegration trajectories. Findings reveal that, in a context marked by weak institutional support, reintegration is largely driven by informal and localized actors. Family support emerges as a central factor, providing not only material assistance but also emotional validation and identity reconstruction. Local associations play a complementary role by facilitating access to training and income-generating activities, although their impact remains constrained by limited resources. Community and religious mentors act as brokers of trust, helping youth regain social legitimacy and navigate stigma. Additionally, sports and cultural activities contribute to positive identity transformation by fostering self-esteem and social inclusion. Overall, the study highlights the importance of strengthening community-based mechanisms to support sustainable reintegration pathways.