Colonialism, Ethnicity and War in Angola

This book explores the impact of social, political, and economic change on the Ovimbundu, the largest ethnic group in Angola, focusing on African experiences and responses to Christianity and colonialism. It examines how these transformations contributed to politicized modern notions of ethnic identity and how the Ovimbundu-UNITA created a national imaginary that echoed social anxieties and moral discourses. It also explores the links between ethnicity, politics, and war on the quality of post-war citizenship in Angola.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of Angola's history, shedding light on the profound impact of social, political, and economic transformations on the largest ethnic group in the country, the Ovimbundu. Through extensive fieldwork, encompassing oral testimonies, life stories, participant-observation, and archival materials, the author offers a fresh perspective that shifts the focus away from the colonial enterprise, international politics, and ideological alignments. Instead, it centers on African experiences and responses, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of the past.

The author delves into the intricate web of transformations brought about by Christianity and colonialism, exploring how they shaped politicized notions of ethnic identity and fostered communal imaginaries. These imaginaries began to manifest during Angola's anti-colonial war, laying the foundation for the mobilization of significant portions of the Ovimbundu by UNITA. The author elucidates how UNITA's ability to weave this ethno-political landscape deepened popular belief in the axiom "Ovimbundu-UNITA," ultimately creating a national imaginary that resonated with social anxieties and moral discourses.

In the subsequent chapters, the book delves into the intricate connections between ethnicity, politics, and war, examining their impact on the quality of post-war citizenship in Angola. It explores the challenges faced by individuals in their quest for integration into the citizenry or marginalization from it, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shape ethnic identities and their role in shaping the country's political landscape.

By offering a reading of ethnicity that bridges high politics and elite-based explanations with the lived experiences and discussions of ordinary people, this book appeals to scholars of African history, politics, ethnicity, and nationalism. It provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted history of Angola, offering insights into the enduring legacies of colonialism, ethnicity, and nationalism in the region.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367627294