Batwa return to their Eden? Intricacies of violence and resistance in eastern DRCongo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Indigenous Batwa communities' violent reoccupation of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in eastern DRCongo, stems from the failure of peaceful resistance strategies, escalating threats, and new alliances. The study reveals how slow violence can transition into overt resistance, highlighting the complex interplay between conservation efforts and indigenous rights. Researchers analyzed these dynamics through qualitative methods, focusing on three key factors: the inefficacy of non-violent resistance, increasing external pressures on the Batwa, and emerging opportunities for collaboration with other stakeholders. This work contributes to broader debates on territorialization in conservation, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches that address both ecological goals and human rights.

Simpson, F. O., & Geenen, S. (2021). Batwa return to their Eden? Intricacies of violence and resistance in eastern DRCongo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The Journal of Peasant Studies, 50(3), 1106–1124. https://doi.org/10.1080/03066150.2021.1970539