Challenges to decentralisation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: beyond the political settlement
Gaynor, NiamhORCID: 0000-0001-5645-7032
(2014)
Challenges to decentralisation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: beyond the political settlement.
Journal of International Development, 28
(2).
pp. 198-213.
ISSN 0954-1748
Decentralisation is increasingly seen as an important part of conflict resolution and
peacebuilding strategies within fragile states where increased public accountability and
participation help reduce horizontal inequalities and address local grievances. This view
assumes a strong political element to decentralisation however. Drawing on fieldwork
conducted in Kinshasa and in Bas-Congo, this article highlights three key sets of challenges
to political decentralisation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which arise
from its roots within the elite political settlement. A re-orientation in support is proposed
providing for a deeper political decentralisation and a more inclusive political settlement.
Item Type:
Article (Published)
Refereed:
Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Democratic Republic of Congo; decentralisation; conflict; liberal peacebuilding; political settlement