Identity and cultural diversity in conflict resolution and democratisation for the African Renaissance: the case of Burundi

Ntahombaye, Philippe; Nduwayo, Gaspard

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Title:	Identity and cultural diversity in conflict resolution and democratisation for the African Renaissance: the case of Burundi
Authors:	Ntahombaye, Philippe Nduwayo, Gaspard
Year:	2007
Periodical:	African Journal on Conflict Resolution
Volume:	7
Issue:	2
Pages:	239-274
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Burundi
Subjects:	ethnicity conflict resolution
External link:	https://www.accord.org.za/ajcr-issues/%ef%bf%bcidentity-and-cultural-diversity-in-conflict-resolution-and-democratisation-for-the-african-renaissance/
Abstract:	Since its independence in 1962, Burundi has witnessed conflicts and violence. A multitude of factors help explain these tragedies, which include the creation of a negative image of the 'other', the blood feud between the Hutus and the Tutsis; and an illusion of the dominance of a so-called 'ethnic group'. This paper underscores the part which the colonial State played in the creation and instrumentalization of ethnicity, based on racist ideologies. Since independence, the ruling elites have continued to appropriate and radicalize this category. As result, they are not only able to enjoy political gains, but they also perpetuate ethnicity with the help of an institutional framework, while pretending to fight it. The paper argues that because the Burundi issue is complex and multiform, the solution must also be multiform, drawing on many registers - political, institutional, and cultural. It proposes a number of political initiatives to be taken, including advocacy of citizenry, development of a culture of democracy, and depolitization of ethnicity. From a sociocultural perspective, it suggests negotiation at all levels and rehabilitation of social and cultural values which are likely to enhance social cohesion. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]

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