Lewis, J; (2001) Forest People or Village People: Whose voice will be heard?'. In: Barnard, A and Kenrick, J, (eds.) Africa's Indigenous Peoples: 'First Peoples' or 'Marginalized Minorities'? (61 - 78). Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh, UK.

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Abstract

With reference to the current situation of the Mbendjele Yaka in northern Congo (Brazzaville) this paper summarises some of the problems facing them as outside interest in their forest increases. Issues relating to traditional and modern land ownership, international forest exploitation by both commercial loggers and wildlife protectionists, and representation are raised in the Mbendjele context. Mbendjele conceptualisations of themselves as ‘forest people’, as opposed to ‘village people’, are considered from the point of view of the contemporary indigenous peoples and minority rights movements. This offers an interesting analysis that highlights some of the challenges to be overcome in coming years. In effect, ‘forest people’ are currently marginalized from these processes by the ‘village people’ character of international procedural forms and structures within which they are expected to represent themselves.

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