Welcome our newest Dr. in the house: Dr. Eustache Zigashane. Dr. Zigashane successfully defended his dissertation titled "Essays in the Polticial Sociology of Conflict and Development in Africa: Case Study of the Democratic Republic of Congo." Dr. Zigashane's committee was chaired by Dr. Nancy Plankey-Videla; committee members were Dr. Edwin C. Price (Department of Agricultural Economics), Dr. Defne Över, and Dr. Rob Mackin.
Dr. Zigashane's dissertation explores the Political Sociology of Conflicts and Development in Africa through three essays. It examines how historical conditions and processes have contributed to the persistent socioeconomic and political instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The first essay analyzes the link between neoliberal financial policies and economic stability by exploring IMF policies during and after the Cold War. Through a comparative-historical analysis, the study finds that participation in the IMF program does not fully account for economic performance. High economic growth was mainly tied to favorable global market conditions for copper and other minerals, while price declines led to deteriorating economic situations, regardless of policies. The research indicates that inconsistent implementation of the IMF program has contributed to widespread corruption and political instability in DR Congo.
The second essay examines the factors behind the ongoing socio-political instability in DR Congo, focusing on the FDLR insurgency. Using a historical methodology, the study reveals that efforts to mitigate the FDLR insurgency have had mixed results and often failed to meet their goals due to internal and external challenges, including the UN Security Council’s inability to take decisive actions and DR Congo’s incapacity to address structural challenges such as widespread corruption and insufficient institutional reforms. The analysis suggests lasting stability requires reinforcing past agreements, especially the 2013 Addis Ababa Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DR Congo and the region.
The final essay examines the frequently overlooked historical factors contributing to conflicts among ethnic communities in DR Congo, such as in Bas-Uele province. Using a conflict mapping model, the study analyzes various colonial and post-colonial land legislation dimensions and finds that conflict is exacerbated by overlooked historical conditions, including the abolition of ethnic land rights through the post-colonial land legislation, misinterpretation of laws, and their inconsistent enforcement, which contribute substantially to ongoing conflicts in DR Congo, particularly in relation to ethnic identity, customary power, and land ownership.
Congratulations, Dr. Eustache Zigashane!