Text in French. This book presents the findings of a major comparative study of the role played by traditional justice mechanisms in dealing with the legacy of violent conflict in Africa. The five case studies -- Burundi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Uganda provide options for future policy development in the related areas of post-conflict reconstruction, democracy building and development. The book cautions against unrealistic expectations of traditional structures and offers a sober, evidence-based assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of traditional conflict management mechanisms in the broader framework of post-conflict social reconstruction efforts.