Description
Book SynopsisTelling a neglected history of decolonisation and violence in Burundi, Aidan Russell examines the political language of truth that drove extraordinary change, from democracy to genocide. His study is the only English account of the first postcolonial genocide on the African continent.
Trade Review'Aidan Russell has written a powerful and disturbing study of how struggles over power and a government's claim to monopolise truth led to the ethnicisation of politics and to violence in a newly independent country.' Frederick Cooper, New York University
'Path-breaking, erudite and meticulously researched, this stands as an impressive achievement. No other work has done more to explicate the paradoxes, subtleties and brutalities of Burundi's tragic history. Few analysts have shown a deeper understanding of the relationship of language (Kirundi) to popular perceptions of truth, and ultimately to politics, than Aidan Russell in this outstanding contribution. I cannot recommend it too highly to anyone seriously interested in making sense of Burundi politics.' René Lemarchand, Professor Emeritus, University of Florida
'This book reveals the power and potential of national history as Russell puts language at the center of African politics. Violence and truth, speech and borders, lies and citizenship constitute the history of Burundi after 1962, and they remain in constant tension with every memory and speech about the postcolony.' Luise White, Professor Emerita, University of Florida
Table of ContentsIntroduction: talking politics and watching the border prologue, 1796–1959: people of the land; Part I. 1959–1961: 'To See the Son of a King': 1. Ukuri ni kumwe: talking truth; 2. Ibigendajoro: rebels in the name of the king; Part II. 1961–1967: 'A Most Total Anarchy': 3. Abanyabihuha: talking loyalty; 4. Ukuri n'ubutungane: the fate of the Bourgmestres; Part III. 1968–1972: 'Please Send Me a Car to Take Them Away': 5. Politiques bw'insaku: talking vigilance; 6. Couper tout ce qui dépasse: truth and violence; Conclusion: the Court of Baribuka; Bibliography.
