Arguments :

This panel seeks contributions exploring the intersection of diasporic identities and practices
within contemporary Congolese transnational social fields. Papers shall explore the links and
networks between homeland (The Democratic Republic of Congo - DRC) and diasporic
communities and how they relate to politics of ‘home’ and belongings in different contexts
and configurations. A particular focus will be on analytical approaches which connect the
symbolic, social and the material dimensions of the diasporic experience, but also which
examine the politics and contestation of a wide range of identities in the Congolese diasporic
public spheres, within different geographical contexts (in Europe, North America and
beyond). The panel will attempt to locate these social and political dynamics of the Congolese
diaspora against important backdrops and current events - such as the 50th anniversary of the
independence of the Congo in 2010, the general elections in 2011 or the war in the East of the
country.

Themes include:

• The intersection between religion and politics in the Congolese transnational field
• Identities in diaspora, in relation to nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, class or popular culture
• Role of diaspora in the 2011 elections
• Circulation of ideas and images between the Congo and the diaspora
• Mobility of pastors, politicians and elites
• Long-distance nationalism and radical politics in the diaspora
• Transnational political participation and civic engagement
• ‘Development’ and transnationalism
• Intergenerational dynamics, youth involvement and transnational social fields
• Comparative exploration of diasporic contexts
• Post-colonial issues

Propositions of paper (title + abstract of no more than 200 words) should be sent

before 27 April 2012.

Thanks to log on to the ASAUK website and submit you abstract using the web interface: http://www.asauk.net/conferences/asauk12.shtml

Contact: sarah.demart@ulg.ac.be; godinmarie@googlemail.com; D.Garbin@roehampton.ac.uk

Congo stream at African Studies Association of the United Kingdom (ASAUK) conference 2012

• Sarah Demart, CEDEM (Center for Ethnic and Migration Studies), Liege University
• David Garbin, CRONEM (Centre for Research on Nationalism, Ethnicity and Multiculturalism), University of Surrey
• Marie Godin, PhD Student University of East London and Research associate at GERME (Group for research onEthnic Relations, Migration and Equality), Université Libre de Bruxelles