Acting out (of) Conflict in Rwanda

Acting out conflict in Rwanda (Elise Webb)

We recently wrote about the impact of Search’s use of participatory theater as a conflict transformation tool in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Plays examining the impact of mass displacement, especially focusing on land disputes, have helped to mediate issues of contention between neighbors.   A similar effort has been carried out in Rwanda, a country where land is scarce and thus property disputes are a major issue.

Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa and has an economy based primarily on agriculture. Every possible inch of land is cultivated.  As Elise Webb, our international intern in Rwanda, wrote last month in her post “Divvying Up 1000 Hills”, dividing the country into 11.4 million tiny plots of land will give each person about five square inches of land,  which is not enough to cultivate and support a family on. Clearly, a more sustainable solution has to be found. SFCG has used participatory theater to help Rwandans create dialogue around land conflict at a day-to-day level.

We’ll be highlighting some of the successes our participatory theater has had in an ongoing feature on the blog.

Your Neighbor is a Family Member

Nearly a year after the production August 2010 of Your Neighbor is a Family Member, people in Rubengera sector near Kibuye in the country’s Eastern Province enthusiastically recalled the theme of the play.  One market goer who attended the performance said, “The theme of the production was a very important reminder for many of us. Often our conflicts arise from issues of deception in land sales and/or owners returning from displacement or jail.”

This strain between former and current landowners can potentially erupt into violence. The play urged citizens to think of the community as a whole not just the personal aspect of land ownership.  ‘Remembering that even if we have conflicts there are still consequences if those go unsolved is good for everyone,’ added the market goer, ‘There is no need to face harsh consequences if we choose to live together peacefully.’

One participant, Barayavuga Evariste said, ‘Shortly after I was released from prison, I attended the theatre production here in Rubengera. The actors presented a scene about inheritance that reflected some issues I was having with my own family. My mother is also in prison and her family has not allowed for her to inherit any of the land that should belong to her.”

The refusal of Evariste’s maternal relatives to allow his mother to inherit her portion of the land meant that he too was cut off from this asset.  Initially, Evariste wanted to fight back. “Before the theatre, I was going to go to the courts and demand my right to my mother’s portion of the land. However, the theatre showed me that only the direct descendants can ask for land. So, I have spoken with my mother’s family and they have agreed to work with my mother on her land issues so I might one day inherit that land.’

By informing citizens on their rights to land, SFCG has enabled villagers to tackle their struggles together peacefully and resourcefully. In the end, land issues like these and others in the future can be solved within the family to preserve community harmony.

Look out for more store of theater’s impact in Rwanda and see what else we’re doing there!