An overview of socio-environmental injustices and the development of large-scale plantations in DR Congo: An analysis of colonial legacy
Samuel Assembe-Mvondo, Jules Nkongolo Mukaya, Grace Wong, Maria Brockhaus
It is now well established around the world that the development of large agro-industrial plantations is likely to lead to massive human rights violations and other abuses on the living conditions of local communities and workers. These results are antagonistic to the dominant macroeconomic discourses, narratives promises and especially sustainable development goals outcomes in terms of socio-environmental justice. This paper aims to examine infrastructures and practices developed in agro-industrial plantations through the lens of socio-environmental (in) justice in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from the colonial period to contemporary times. Indeed, the combined review of literature, consultative of archives and discussions of key experts reveal the persistent system that generates of socio-environmental injustices, as part of the Belgium colonial legacy in the DR Congo’s which is characterized by violence and extractive practices. However, such a system of social injustices is likely to be corrected by political and governance reforms driven by the country’s public authorities and related stakeholders.
XIX Biennial IASC Conference
Nairobi, Kenya
24 June 2023
Panel 4.8 – Time, commoning, colonial legacies & strategies for recovery
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