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From autochthony to violence? Discursive and coercive social practices of the Mai-Mai in Fizi, eastern DR Congo

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 15:14 authored by Judith Verweijen
This article explores the links between autochthony discourses and physical violence through a case study of a Mai-Mai group in the eastern DR Congo. While this group garners support by employing such discourses and related tropes of autodéfense (self-defense), there are clear limits to the capacity of these narratives to mobilize for and legitimize violent action. Furthermore, much of the violence committed by the Mai-Mai is not informed directly by notions of autochthony, but is rather geared toward the consolidation of power. This observation should act as a caution against the a priori coding of violence according to the ways it is discursively framed by its protagonists.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

African Studies Review

ISSN

0002-0206

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Issue

2

Volume

58

Page range

157-180

Department affiliated with

  • International Relations Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-09-27

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-09-27

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