Abstract summary 

In July 1994, a small contingent of the French army had the physically and psychologically difficult task of burying 40,000 cadavers in Goma (Zaire). This was the only way to eradicate a cholera epidemic which decimated 1,200,000 Rwanda refugees fleeing from the war. The mission of the military psychiatrist posted in Goma consisted of promoting mental health actions and providing psychological support for the soldiers most "exposed" to the burial operations. He was unable to avoid a dozen sanitary evacuations (out of 200 soldiers), some of which were abusive, but discreetly helped the small proportion (25%) of soldiers determined to complete their mission despite the development of symptoms of anxiety, depression and personality disorders. The others assumed their task with no apparent difficulties. The solidarity of the military group (especially in the form of small units) and the hierarchical structure of the army enabled each member of the contingent to complete this dreadful task.

Authors & Co-authors:  Raingeard Lebigot

Study Outcome 

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