Ethnic associations in Katanga (DR Congo): dynamics of alliance and faction formation from a social capital perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT The complexity of ethnic associational life in Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo, resulted from both the existence of associations representing ethnic groups, and alliances between related ethnic associations, and between communities originating from the same province. These organisations competed with one another in a bid to secure economic resources. Ethnic associations are characterised by bonding social capital, reinforcing intra-group solidarity, and employ sometimes autochthony discourses to reinforce their demands. Alliances between ethnic associations are based on bridging ties generating broader solidarities and identities, though these can become associated with the hardening of new boundaries: bridging social capital is thus converted into new forms of bonding social capital that defend common interests. This paper challenges the assumption that bridging social capital lowers the risk of inter-group conflicts. It also shows that combining “bridging” with “linking social capital” nevertheless contribute to mitigating inter-group conflicts.