What to think of East-Cong : Explaining the existence of armed groups with theory and factors
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2013-06
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en
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Abstract
To understand and explain the existence of armed groups in East-Congo I have conducted a
theoretical research. For confirmation of the results experts knowledgeable of the Great Lakes district and East-Congo were consulted. I argue that there are several factors that contribute to the existence of armed groups in East-Congo. They amplify each other and are closely related to each other. It is the absence of state authority and institutions that allows it to happen. At the foundation there is the grassroots issue of land, social security, economic opportunities, insecurity about one’s future and the struggle to secure basic human needs on a daily basis. Ethnicity has been created into an important issue in East-Congo; it is how they have organised their society and view their world. It is being reproduced on a daily basis and one of the most important propaganda points for mobilisation and recruitment by armed groups. And finally we need to consider the role of armed groups in society, they provide security up to certain extend, finance traders and control part of the economy. They are ingrained in society after all these years.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen