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Borderlands, Identity and Urban Development: The Case of Goma (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

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  • Koen Vlassenroot
  • Karen Büscher

Abstract

This paper challenges traditional studies that explore border sites from a central or capital city perspective. Focusing on expressions of identity in the border city of Goma, it illustrates how the struggle for political, social and economic control affects local urban life and has broader implications for regional relationships and realities. The paper suggests that Goma must be understood as a site of change and fluidity rather than (as borders are commonly depicted) a static and dependent environment, whose increasing sense of autonomy is directly linked to state decline and to the dynamics of regional conflict. Goma has become an area of military rebellion, political struggle and economic competition, as well as a city of flourishing transborder trade and economic opportunity. The paper highlights the need to follow closely the increasing national and regional role that Goma, and other emerging urban centres on the periphery, are playing. This analysis was concluded early 2012 and does not include recent developments related to the M23 rebellion.

Suggested Citation

  • Koen Vlassenroot & Karen Büscher, 2013. "Borderlands, Identity and Urban Development: The Case of Goma (Democratic Republic of the Congo)," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 50(15), pages 3168-3184, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:50:y:2013:i:15:p:3168-3184
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098013487772
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jenny Robinson, 2006. "Inventions and Interventions: Transforming Cities—An Introduction," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 43(2), pages 251-258, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Karen Büscher & Gillian Mathys, 2019. "War, Displacement and Rural–Urban Transformation: Kivu’s Boomtowns, Eastern D.R. Congo," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 31(1), pages 53-71, January.

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