Politics and Violence in Burundi: The Language of Truth in an Emerging State

Aidan Russell's book explores the political language of truth that drove extraordinary change in Burundi, from democracy to genocide, focusing on the dangerous border between Burundi and Rwanda. It uncovers how ethnic ideologies became all-consuming by 1972, and how values of authority and citizenship were tested and transformed. It also examines the first postcolonial genocide on the African continent, a so-called "forgotten genocide" on the world stage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Aidan Russell delves into the overlooked history of decolonization and violence in Burundi, exploring the political language of truth that led to extraordinary change, from democracy to genocide. By examining the fraught border between Burundi and Rwanda, this study uncovers the complex dynamics that saw ethnic ideologies, previously marginalized during independence in 1962, become increasingly dominant by 1972. Set against the backdrop of rhetoric and uncertainty, Russell draws on African and European language sources to demonstrate how values of authority and citizenship were tested and transformed during Burundi's first decade of independence. He also explores the post-colony that emerged through interactions between African peasants and politicians on the margins of their states. Culminating in a rare examination of the first postcolonial genocide on the African continent, often referred to as the "forgotten genocide," Russell sheds light on how the postcolonial order of central Africa came into being. This comprehensive study provides a valuable insight into the complex and often overlooked history of Burundi and its role in shaping the broader African continent.

Aidan Russell's exploration of the neglected history of decolonization and violence in Burundi is a profound and thought-provoking study. By focusing on the political language of truth that drove extraordinary change, from democracy to genocide, Russell delves into the complex dynamics that shaped the country's trajectory.

Through his examination of the dangerous border between Burundi and Rwanda, Russell uncovers the ways in which ethnic ideologies, previously sidelined during independence in 1962, became increasingly all-consuming by 1972. The study's focus on this critical period sheds light on the gradual transformation of ethnic identities and the emergence of ethnic ideologies that would ultimately lead to the country's descent into violence.

Russell's use of both African and European language sources is a strength of the study, as it allows him to draw on a wide range of perspectives and insights. By analyzing the rhetoric and uncertainty surrounding truth, Russell demonstrates how values of authority and citizenship were tested and transformed across the first decade of Burundi's independence.

The post-colony that emerged in the interactions between African peasants and politicians on the margins of their states is also explored in depth. Russell highlights the ways in which these marginalized communities were able to assert their rights and influence the political landscape, challenging the dominant narratives of the postcolonial order.

Culminating in a rare examination of the first postcolonial genocide on the African continent, often referred to as the "forgotten genocide," Russell sheds light on the ways in which the postcolonial order of central Africa came into being.

This comprehensive study provides a valuable insight into the complex and often overlooked history of Burundi and its role in shaping the broader African continent. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of decolonization, violence, and the emergence of new political orders.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108713412