Abstract
ABSTRACTThis article analyses the large-scale popular urban uprisings that shook Mozambican cities on 1 and 2 September 2010, following the government's announcement of successive rises in the price of public transport fares and basic commodities. Using ethnographic material from the city of Chimoio and the capital Maputo, the following work highlights the organisational character of the ‘strikes’ (greves), as the popular uprisings were called, and explores them as a new form of organising political discontent. Comparing them to other historical and contemporary popular uprisings, this article argues that the strikes violently and rhizomically generated ephemeral and egalitarian forms of political authority and order that simultaneously confronted, replicated and undercut the aspects of Mozambican statehood. Deploying Durkheim's notion of effervescence, the work further argues that the creative fervour, multisemic aspects and festive character of the popular uprisings need to be recognised; thus, this analysis challenges the reductive labelling of these events as ‘riots’ or ‘food riots’.
Highlights
It is difficult to ascertain what the long-term effects of such recurring encounters between rioters and state agents will be in terms of state stability, police accountability, Frelimo’s future and the potential for the political opposition to capitalise on popular discontent
Events in 2013 and 2014 seem to indicate that memories of the large-scale strikes in 2008 and 2010 are significant, as a number of further protests have emerged across the country: for instance, there were spontaneous violent protests in Beira after it was rumoured that the Mozambican military were forcibly drafting young people into its armed ranks to be deployed in increasing military confrontations with Renamo in 2013 and 2014 (AIM 2013a; Mediafax 2014)
Beyond its effect on Mozambican city streets, it is clear that these two largescale popular uprisings have destabilised the image of a powerful sovereign state under the control of Frelimo, which has at times lost control of urban spaces in both the capital Maputo and in other large cities such as Chimoio
Summary
Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor & Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
