Seminar: Fredsopbygning i Burundi og Rwanda – sikkerhed og udvikling vs. frihed og demokrati

TIME: Wednesday, 10 October, 14 – 16

VENUE: Danish Institute for International Studies, Main Auditorium, Strandgade 71, ground floor, Christianshavn, 1401 Copenhagen K.

TIME: Wednesday, 10 October, 14 – 16

VENUE: Danish Institute for International Studies, Main Auditorium, Strandgade 71, ground floor, Christianshavn, 1401 Copenhagen K.

Two neighboring countries, Rwanda and Burundi, are going through radically different processes of peace-building. What characterizes the two processes? Why are they so different? And why is the former much more popular with international donors than the latter?

In this seminar, BertIngelaere and Simon Turner discuss how the Rwandan government is attracting donor attention and regional praise for its ability to get the country back on track after war and genocide, while Burundi is perceived to be problematic due to political instability and corruption.

The genocide has enabled the new regime in Rwanda to clean the slate and start from scratch in its peace and statebuilding efforts and in its efforts to ensure security and economic growth.

Meanwhile, Burundi’s transition to peace has been far more muddled without a clear (moral) victor to stake out the future. Despite its poor development performance and its political challenges, however, ordinary Burundians prefer freedom to development.

Even the poorest Burundian believes that he or she might have a brighter future, while the majority of poor, rural Rwandans see no avenues towards a future. Has the country’s focus on stability and security come at a price that in the long run might lead to instability, because large segments of the population feel they are no longer part of the citizenry?

Speakers:
– Simon Turner, Associate Professor, Aalborg University
– Bert Ingelaere, Researcher, University of Antwerp

Programme:

14.00-14.30: Two Paths to Rebuilding a Nation: Rwanda and Burundi After Violent Conflict; Simon Turner, Associate Professor, Aalborg University

14.30-15.00: Living the Transition: Life Trajectories of Rwandans and Burundians in Comparative Perspective; Bert Ingelaere, Researcher, University of Antwerp

15.00-15.20: Coffee Break

15.20-16.00: Q & A

The seminar will be held in English.

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. Read more about the seminar and use the online registration form on the website no later than Tuesday, 9 October at 12 noon.

Please await confirmation by e-mail from DIIS for participation.