A People Trapped In Narratives And Memories: Facing Pacification In The Great Lakes Region Of Africa A Focus On Eastern Democratic Republic Of The Congo

ABSTRACT

Conflict has persisted in the Great Lakes region of Africa since time immemorial, yet the challenges of a peaceful coexistence in this region continue to manifest themselves in an even escalating manner. Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, in a particular way, has experienced a vicious circle of tragedy and victimhood, from unlived memories, through constructed memories and narratives, to lived narratives and memories. Hence, people in this part of the DRC find themselves trapped in specific conflicting memories and narratives. This conflict has dragged in armies of the neighbouring countries to the East of DR Congo and a myriad of ‘Congolese’ guerrilla movements and ethnic militias; millions have died in massacres, displacements, and of starvation, disease, and rape.