Title

The Muslim minority of the democratic Republic of Congo. From historic marginalization and internal division to collective action

Abstract

The history of the Muslim minority community of the Democratic Republic of Congo can be characterized as one of repression and marginalization, especially during Belgian colonialism. Further compounding the struggles of Congo's Muslim minority have been intense internal conflicts within the community in the post-independence period. This strife resembles Sufi/Reformist tensions in other parts of the continent, but with important variations at the local, provincial, and national levels in the Congo. However, in the post-conflict period a united national leadership has emerged encouraging the proliferation of Islamic associations and their role in post-war development. Perhaps most remarkable about the mobilization of the Muslim minority community in recent years has been the role of the community in providing good quality public education.

Department(s)

Political Science

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.4000/etudesafricaines.17091

Keywords

Democratic republic of congo, Islam, Tariqa, Tawahidi

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Journal Title

Cahiers d'Etudes Africaines

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS