Courses au pouvoir: the struggle over customary capital in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

This article analyses the production and reproduction of traditional chieftaincy in war-torn eastern DR Congo, through the case of a succession dispute in Kalima (South Kivu). Kalima has gone through two decades of political instability and violent conflict involving a plethora of local, national and regional actors. During this period of uncertainty and upheaval, the institution of traditional chieftaincy has remained politically salient. We argue, that this salience is conditioned by a widespread belief in the authenticity and sacredness of the institution of traditional chieftaincy and by the ethno-territorial imaginary of the Congolese political order. Both of these are historically produced through rituals, ceremonies and narratives of origin. They imbue the institution of traditional chieftaincy with charisma and enable customary chiefs to accumulate resources and exercise authority in a wide range of domains of public life in rural eastern Congo. Drawing on Pierre Bourdieu, we call this ability to rule through the notion of 'custom', customary capital. However, we also show that 'customary capital' does not automatically accrue to chiefs as a variety of internal and external actors vie for customary capital. As such it fluctuates over time as different actors move in and out of the capacity to legitimately wield customary capital.

Political Instability as Root of Armed Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo

“…Several rebel groups arose from the movement, indicating the result of political action from the country of origin. From the security crisis, 4.5 million have already been displaced from their homes [1]. About 2.2 million children are on the brink of starvation, and millions of refugees have moved to neighboring countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and Angola [1].…”

“…From the security crisis, 4.5 million have already been displaced from their homes [1]. About 2.2 million children are on the brink of starvation, and millions of refugees have moved to neighboring countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and Angola [1]. The displacement experienced in DRC is more than in any other country on the African continent.…”

“…Historically, political instability was caused by communal differences and the need to control the population. Armed groups formed alliances to fight for their space within the country, especially the control of the most strategic areas in the DRC [1]. Several wars were won because of these alliances, creating unwritten pacts between the different communities.…”

“…This has led to many studies examining the root causes of armed conflict in the DRC. A possible cause under examination is the colonial history of the DRC, which Original Research Article perpetuated institutional and social vulnerabilities leading to the emergence of armed groups [1]. There are many armed grouse operating in the DRC, and they are the major factors in the persistent armed conflict in the country.…”

Invisible Congolese Blockage to Peace: Deprivation of Basic Communal Needs Triggers Intractable Conflict in Congo

“…For instance, in the Kivus provinces, the institution of traditional chieftaincy has remained politically salient. The figure of the traditional chief acquired an important role as an intermediary authority over these ethnic territories, called 'chefferies' (chiefdoms) (Hoffmann, Vlassenroot, & Mudinga, 2020).The recognition of custom as a source of law and order has been constitutive for the development of Congo's political order and people's sense of self. The ethnoterritorial imaginary of the colonial rule in the Congo has not been dissolved in the post-colonial period.…”