15. Legacies of political resistance in Congo-Brazzaville
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Meike J. de Goede
Abstract
This chapter looks at the legacy in Congo-Brazzaville of anti-colonial resistance by the Matsouanists, a religious sect that, through its acts of resistance, has developed a reputation as a troublemaker. Through this stigmatization, members of the sect have become social outcasts, distrusted by the regime as well as by the broader society in Congo. The chapter reflects on the construction of the stigma of the Matsouanists and its reproduction in present-day Congo. Following the life history of Anicet Massengo, spiritual leader of L’Eglise Ngunza Matsouaniste, the essay describes the efforts of one group of Matsouanists to liberate themselves from this stigma by aiming to de-validate the historically constructed truths on which the stigma rests.
Abstract
This chapter looks at the legacy in Congo-Brazzaville of anti-colonial resistance by the Matsouanists, a religious sect that, through its acts of resistance, has developed a reputation as a troublemaker. Through this stigmatization, members of the sect have become social outcasts, distrusted by the regime as well as by the broader society in Congo. The chapter reflects on the construction of the stigma of the Matsouanists and its reproduction in present-day Congo. Following the life history of Anicet Massengo, spiritual leader of L’Eglise Ngunza Matsouaniste, the essay describes the efforts of one group of Matsouanists to liberate themselves from this stigma by aiming to de-validate the historically constructed truths on which the stigma rests.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Table of Contents V
- 1. Introduction: Biographies of radicalization–hidden messages of social change 1
- 2. ‘The heavens have already burned’: Reflections on radicalism 15
- 3. Pathways to home-grown jihadism in the Netherlands: The Hofstadgroup, 2002–2005 25
- 4. How Muhammad al-Wali developed a radical definition of the unbeliever 39
- 5. The jihad of Sheikh Ahmet Ismael Bichara in Kouno: An example of an outbreak of extremism based on religion 51
- 6. Ruben Um Nyobe: Camerounian maquis, radical, and liberator, ca 1948–1958 65
- 7. ‘It’s the way we are moulded’ 85
- 8. Radicalization processes and trajectories in western Chad 103
- 9. Radicalization in northern Nigeria: Stories from Boko Haram 114
- 10. A rebel youth? Social media, charismatic leadership, and ‘radicalized’ youth in the 2015 Biafra protests 134
- 11. Hamadoun Koufa: Spearhead of radicalism in central Mali 152
- 12. Central Mali: Toward a Fulani question? 174
- 13. Central African refugee Mbororo nomads in Cameroon: Cultural hostages? 194
- 14. Islam and radicalization in Senegal: A response in female preaching 216
- 15. Legacies of political resistance in Congo-Brazzaville 230
- 16. ‘Give the Youth a Voice’: A reflection on the Rencontres V4T@Dakar, 15–18 November 2017 244
- List of Authors 256
- List of Abbreviations VII
- Acknowledgements IX
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Table of Contents V
- 1. Introduction: Biographies of radicalization–hidden messages of social change 1
- 2. ‘The heavens have already burned’: Reflections on radicalism 15
- 3. Pathways to home-grown jihadism in the Netherlands: The Hofstadgroup, 2002–2005 25
- 4. How Muhammad al-Wali developed a radical definition of the unbeliever 39
- 5. The jihad of Sheikh Ahmet Ismael Bichara in Kouno: An example of an outbreak of extremism based on religion 51
- 6. Ruben Um Nyobe: Camerounian maquis, radical, and liberator, ca 1948–1958 65
- 7. ‘It’s the way we are moulded’ 85
- 8. Radicalization processes and trajectories in western Chad 103
- 9. Radicalization in northern Nigeria: Stories from Boko Haram 114
- 10. A rebel youth? Social media, charismatic leadership, and ‘radicalized’ youth in the 2015 Biafra protests 134
- 11. Hamadoun Koufa: Spearhead of radicalism in central Mali 152
- 12. Central Mali: Toward a Fulani question? 174
- 13. Central African refugee Mbororo nomads in Cameroon: Cultural hostages? 194
- 14. Islam and radicalization in Senegal: A response in female preaching 216
- 15. Legacies of political resistance in Congo-Brazzaville 230
- 16. ‘Give the Youth a Voice’: A reflection on the Rencontres V4T@Dakar, 15–18 November 2017 244
- List of Authors 256
- List of Abbreviations VII
- Acknowledgements IX
