Goma : Stories of Strength and Sorrow from Eastern Congo

ISBN-13: 9781786991409 / Angielski / Miękka / 2018 / 256 str.

Theodore Trefon

Opis

A vivid and inspiring account of a Congolese city at the centre of international aid efforts, as told through the everyday struggles of its people.

Recenzje

'News from the DRC is often so bleak, outsiders wonder how ordinary folk survive. The answer lies in these testimonies. Trefon and Kabuyaya's protagonists negotiate militiamen, lava flows and cholera outbreaks with humour, determination and remarkable grace.' Michela Wrong, author of In the Footsteps of Mr Kurtz: Living on the brink in Mobutu's Congo 'A masterpiece of urban sociology. Zed Books are to be congratulated for making this outstanding book by Theodore Trefon and Noël Kabuyaya available to English language readers.' Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja, author of The Congo from Leopold to Kabila 'One can only respect these life stories, which resonate like gunfire and silent screams with Congolese readers. They come closer to revealing the true state of the DRC than most theoretical accounts.' Patience Kabamba, author of From Charity to Parity 'In this moving and inspiring book, Trefon and Kabuyaya finally give voice to the ordinary people of eastern Congo. Reading these stories transported me back to Goma.' Séverine Autesserre, author of Peaceland and The Trouble With the Congo 'A fascinating dissection of Goma as told through the lives of its citizens. It reminded me why I passionately fell in love with this town.' Kris Berwouts, author of Congo's Violent Peace 'Trefon and Kabuyaya's superb research and clear-headed writing takes us into the everyday lives of Goma's residents. In addition to hardship and resilience, it is by revealing the normalcy of their lives, and our shared humanity, that the book helps us connect with its protagonists.' Pierre Englebert, Pomona College

Spis treści

Preface Chronology of Events in and Around Goma Introduction: A City in Search of its Future 1. The Ups and Downs of a Businesswoman 2. The Amazing Wooden Scooter 3. Charcoal is Life 4. A Stone Cutter's Paradise 5. Goma's Public Health Challenges 6. A Pragmatic Humanitarian 7. Everybody Loves Beans 8. The Motorbike Taxi Solution 9. Private Security for Hire 10. Gembloux-Goma Return 11. Village Boy Makes Good 12. Born under a Lucky Star Afterword

O autorze

Trefon, Theodore Dr Theodore Trefon was educated at Boston University. He is an independent researcher and consultant currently based at the Free University of Brussels. He is also President of the Brussels Centre of African Studies. His research focuses on state-society relations, urban anthropology and environmental governance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.