This thesis examines the impact of the rebel victory and negotiated settlement in post-war Rwanda and Burundi, respectively, on conflict recurrence. Often referred to as twin countries due to the...Show moreThis thesis examines the impact of the rebel victory and negotiated settlement in post-war Rwanda and Burundi, respectively, on conflict recurrence. Often referred to as twin countries due to the wide array of shared features; they are similar in terms of demography, ethnic composition, geography and post-colonial political structures. While both emerged from comparable instances of civil war containing elements of genocidal violence, Rwanda’s conflict ended by a rebel victory, whereas Burundi’s civil war resulted in a negotiated settlement. Therefore, how has the rebel victory vis-á-vis the negotiated settlement contributed to preventing civil war recurrence in post-conflict Rwanda and Burundi, respectively? Connecting concepts of multiple sovereignty and institutions with Collier’s model of breaking the conflict trap, this thesis argues that the rebel victory in Rwanda has contributed to preventing civil war recurrence through economic development, whereas Burundi’s negotiated settlement was more effective in resolving the grievances underlying conflict.Show less
This thesis aims at uncovering the underlying factors involved regarding the debate around homosexuality in Uganda. Today, much of the global discourse surrounding the debate is approached through...Show moreThis thesis aims at uncovering the underlying factors involved regarding the debate around homosexuality in Uganda. Today, much of the global discourse surrounding the debate is approached through the framework of universal human rights. Through an in-depth investigation into postcolonial theory of identity formation, this research dives into the legislation leading up to and concerning the 2009 Anti-Homosexual Bill launched by the Ugandan authorities. In order to create an understanding of the reasons why homophobic sentiments such as these are susceptible to be abused and used in a continuous power struggle on the basis of creating a truly African national identity.Show less
This thesis examines the use of Africanness and politics of belonging in Morocco's discourse on its readmission to the African Union in 2017. As Morocco's Africanness became more scrutinized during...Show moreThis thesis examines the use of Africanness and politics of belonging in Morocco's discourse on its readmission to the African Union in 2017. As Morocco's Africanness became more scrutinized during the country's 33-year-long absence from the African Union, the King launched a comprehensive Africa policy to assert its Africanness. To explore the role of Africanness and politics of belonging in Morocco's discourse on readmission, this thesis analyzes a royal speech and ethnographic data collected from fieldwork in Morocco. Morocco selectively claims its Africanness as part of its political project of belonging. In the process, the Kingdom legitimizes its membership in the African Union and its claims on the Western Sahara.Show less
The thesis treats the manifestation of the national pride of Burkinabe after the revolution of 2014. The inquiry is situated between the revolutions of 1984, when Thomas Sankara came to power, and...Show moreThe thesis treats the manifestation of the national pride of Burkinabe after the revolution of 2014. The inquiry is situated between the revolutions of 1984, when Thomas Sankara came to power, and the one of 2014, when his successor Blaise Compaoré has been overthrown. The analysis focuses on a fashion brand, musical videoclips and a political party all of them inspired by the concept of Burkindi, as developed in the aftermath of the last revolution. The method implemented to substantiate the analysis is the one of close reading, that enable to understand and discuss the cultural practices and beliefs together with the textual analysis of the cultural artifacts. In addition, the thesis describes the historical and political roots of Burkina Faso, in order to help the reader have the necessary background to understand the peculiarity of the concept of Burkindi, manifestation of the national pride of the Burkinabe people.Show less
The thesis addresses the phenomenon of volunteer tourism and tries to evaluate its impact on the African development discourse. The question is addressed by analysing the use of images and phrases...Show moreThe thesis addresses the phenomenon of volunteer tourism and tries to evaluate its impact on the African development discourse. The question is addressed by analysing the use of images and phrases on two volunteer organizations’ Facebook timelines, Go Volunteer Africa and Volunteer Uganda, to investigate the ways in which they aid in constructing a narrative about the African development discourse.The analysis suggests that the discourse of need plays a crucial role in the organizations' approach to development. The images and phrases integrated in Facebook posts can also be traced back to a colonial as well as a racist discourse based upon which social realities of the volunteers and the host communities are being influenced.Show less
