Mande hunters and the state: cooperation and contestation in post-conflict Côte d’Ivoire

• Published in: African studies review 2019-03, Vol.62 (1), p.148-172
• Main Author: Heitz-Tokpa, Kathrin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Associations; Borders; Civil war; Conflict; Cooperation; FORUM: The Power of Performance—the Performance of Power; Hunting; Negotiation; Rural areas; Rural communities; Statehood; Transnationalism
• ISSN: 0002-0206; 1555-2462
• DOI: 10.1017/asr.2018.143

This article analyzes the relationship between Mande hunters (dozos) and the Ivorian state in the prefecture of Ouangolodougou in northern Côte d’Ivoire. Having adopted a prominent security role during the violent conflict of 2002–2011, dozos have made continuing efforts to maintain their position in the post-conflict state. To negotiate their position, they draw on a performative repertoire, such as the display of powerful attributes in the context of processions. Although they have had to concede some more strategic and profitable activities to the reestablished state, dozo chiefs effectively govern the rural northern borderlands of Côte d’Ivoire. Cet article analyse la relation entre les chasseurs Mandé appelés “dozos” et l’Etat Ivoirien dans la préfecture de Ouangolodougou au nord de la Côte d’Ivoire. Ayant adopté un rôle sécuritaire important pendant le violent conflit armé de 2002 à 2011, les dozos ont fourni des efforts à maintenir leur position dans l’Etat après conflit. Afin de négocier leur position, ils s’appuient sur un répertoire performatif tel que l’étalage des attributs puissants dans le contexte des processions. Bien qu’ils aient dû concéder des activités plus stratégiques et plus rentables à l’Etat rétabli, les chefs dozos gouvernent effectivement les régions frontalières rurales situées au nord de la Côte d’Ivoire. Este artigo analisa a relação entre os caçadores Mandé (dozos) e o Estado da Costa do Marfim na prefeitura de Ouangolodougou, no norte do país. Tendo desempenhado um papel securitário importante nos violentos conflitos entre 2002 e 2011, os dozos empenharam-se em manter, até hoje, a sua posição no Estado pós-conflito. Com o objetivo de negociarem a sua posição, os dozos recorrem a um repertório performativo, nomeadamente à exibição dos seus atributos no contexto das procissões. Apesar de terem sido forçados a conceder algumas atividades mais estratégicas e rentáveis ao Estado restabelecido, na prática são os chefes dozo quem governa efetivamente as fronteiras rurais do norte da Costa do Marfim.