Introduction: conflict, land scarcity and tales of origin -- Autochthony, melancholy and uncertainty in contemporary African politics -- Liberia: civil war and the 'Mandingo question' -- Kenya: majimboism, indigenous land claims and electoral violence -- Democratic Republic of Congo: 'dead certainty' in North Kivu -- Côte d'Ivoire: production and the politics of belonging -- Conclusion.

"In this revealing new book, Bøås and Dunn explore the phenomenon of 'autochthony' - literally 'son of the soil' - in African politics. In contemporary Africa, questions concerning origin are currently among the most crucial and contested issues in political life, directly relating to the politics of place, belonging, identity and contested citizenship. Thus, land claims and autochthony disputes are the hallmark of political crises in many places on the African continent. Examining the often complex reasons behind this recent rise of autochthony across a number of high-profile case studies - including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, and Kenya - this is an essential book for anyone wishing to understand the impact of this crucial issue on contemporary African politics and conflicts."--Publisher's website.