Issues of Customary Power Conflicts on Bukumu Chiefdom

Many customary entities are facing power conflicts among royal families in DRC, but no much studies have yet been carried for suggesting solutions. In the Bukumu chiefdom, three kings were yet murdered, and nowadays, sometimes, people are striking against the one who is ruling ad interim. Then, this study aims at assessing the impacts of customary power conflicts on the Bukumu people. The null hypothesis was that there is no social and cultural, but only economic impact of this conflict on people's well-being. It is demonstrated that attitude one have towards other citizens has an impact in his relations. The relationship rate with the Mwami is the lowest. This study also showed that there is a significant relationship between attitude towards other citizens and the choice between a native and a non-native as chief; between the churches', the Baraza's, the custom guards' and politicians' influence on the acceptance of a Mwami native of Bukumu but who doesn't belong to the royal family. It is evident that identity affiliations are used by protagonists, through an intragroup solidarity.

Autorentext

Born in 1976 at Masisi (DRC), Ulimwengu Biregeya studied Philosophy and Theology (1997-2003). He has a degree in Community Health and development from the ULPGL-Goma (2009) and a Master degree in Development Studies from the Kigali Independent University. Expert in Peace & Development, he is a Lecturer at La Sapientia Catholic University of Goma.