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Encouraging Rebel Demobilization by Radio in Uganda and the D.R. Congo: The Case of “Come Home” Messaging

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 April 2016

Scott Ross
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Abstract:

For several years, local radio stations in Uganda have broadcast “come home” messages that encourage the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army to demobilize. Since the rebels began carrying out attacks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Central African Republic, several international actors have introduced the same messages to these regions. This new effort has internationalized radio programming, benefited local radio stations, provided new forms of messaging, and functioned in collaboration with military actors. This article provides an overview of how “come home” messaging functions in different contexts, examines the effects of these actions, and calls for research into an important shift in military–humanitarian relations.

Résumé:

Depuis plusieurs années, les stations de radio locales en Ouganda ont diffusé des messages “Rentrez à la maison” qui encouragent les rebelles de l’Armée de Résistance du Seigneur à se démobiliser. Depuis que les rebelles ont commencé à mener des attaques dans la République Démocratique du Congo et la République Centrafricaine, plusieurs acteurs internationaux ont mis en place les mêmes messages dans ces régions. Ce nouvel effort a internationalisé la programmation radiophonique et a été bénéfique pour les stations de radio locales. Il a aussi fourni de nouvelles formes de communication et a fonctionné en collaboration avec les acteurs militaires. Cet article donne une vue d’ensemble sur la façon dont les messages “rentrez à la maison” fonctionnent dans des contextes différents. Il examine aussi les effets de ces actions, et appelle à plus de recherches universitaire sur un changement important dans les relations militaro-humanitaire.

Keywords

Lord’s Resistance ArmyUgandaDemocratic Republic of the CongoradiodemobilizationhumanitarianismconflictpeaceInvisible ChildrenMONUSCOmediareconciliation
Type
ARTICLES
Information
African Studies Review , Volume 59 , Issue 1 , April 2016 , pp. 33 - 55
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2016 

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