SIHMA

Researching Human Migration across Africa

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29 Jul

Rooted in Exile: Preserving Culture in African Refugee Communities

Culture and tradition have long stood as pillars of African society, shaping the identities, behaviours, and worldviews of individuals and communities alike. For African children and adults, these elements are not merely ceremonial, they inform social structures, define spiritual beliefs, transmit knowledge, and offer meaningful frameworks for addressing governance and environmental issues. Among displaced populations, however, these foundational elements often face erosion. Refugee camps and communities present a particular challenge to maintaining cultural integrity, Gregory Scarborough the author of “A Home Away from Home”  said in his article: “Maintaining cultural identity is hard enough for indigenous peoples in countries that are politically stable, but the problems are vastly more difficult when war and persecution push indigenous people into refugee camps across a border” (Gregory Scarborough, 2010). Raising the question, how are cultural differences and diversity embraced within such precarious environments?

 

The displacement of Angolan refugees presents a compelling case of cultural disruption. Historically, traditional dynamics such as intergenerational knowledge exchange, marriage rites, circumcision ceremonies, and spiritual practices provided continuity and cohesion within communities (Forced Migration Review, 2002). These customs thrived in spaces like nzango[1], where elders passed down practical skills and wisdom. However, forced migration into heterogeneous refugee camps has fractured these cultural conducts. Socio-economic pressures, unfamiliar governance structures, and the psychological toll of displacement have further weakened ties between the older and younger generations (PubMed Central, Cindy C Sangalang & Cindy Vang, 2017).

 

In refugee settings like the Mayukwayukwa camp, community structures have disintegrated, with livelihoods such as farming and fishing heavily restricted by land access and policy constraints (UNHCR, 2018). The erosion of traditional leadership, particularly among men, has been accelerated by NGO-led governance reforms and contested selection processes. A shift in marriage customs where dowries are now exchanged in cash due to economic scarcity has stripped the rite of its cultural symbolism. Circumcision ceremonies continue but vary widely across borders, while ancestral worship has largely given way to Christian conversion. Despite these upheavals, many young refugees express a deep yearning to reconnect with their heritage (BRYCS, 2016).

As one young woman in Mayukwayukwa said, “The past is always the key to the future,” signalling not just nostalgia, but a strategic desire to reclaim and preserve identity (UNHCR, 2017). Yet cultural dimensions of displacement often receive limited attention in policy and humanitarian discourse, which tends to focus on immediate needs such as security and economic stability. Institutions like UNESCO have emphasised the critical importance of cultural rights, arguing that their neglect hinders the ability of displaced populations to integrate and contribute meaningfully to host societies. In response, UNESCO has partnered with other UN agencies to launch initiatives supporting refugee youth and women through educational and vocational programs grounded in cultural heritage (UNESCO, 2023). Cash-for-work schemes tied to heritage preservation help restore dignity, while inclusive access to cultural services encourages intercultural dialogue. These programs aim not only to protect identity but also to support resilience and community cohesion components crucial for peace building in the face of growing displacement caused by armed conflict and environmental degradation (Xinhua, 2024).

 

The global displacement landscape reveals the magnitude of this crisis. In 2023, approximately one in every 69 people worldwide was forcibly displaced a figure that has increased annually for twelve consecutive years. Major humanitarian emergencies include the internal displacement of over six million people in Sudan and the dislocation of 75% of Gaza’s population since October 2023, as documented by UNHCR (UNHCR, 2023). Despite these challenges, refugees often become vibrant contributors to their host societies, drawing from their cultural backgrounds to enrich their new communities. For example, Mez from Eritrea left his country to avoid military conscription and now co-owns the International Food Centre in Tonbridge, UK, providing the only halal meat in the area. Similarly, Hiba Nour, a trans woman from Pakistan, overcame trauma inflicted in a mosque and emerged as a groundbreaking filmmaker in London. Giel from South Sudan reflected on his journey as "life-changing," noting that displacement broadened his worldview and deepened his appreciation for both diversity and humanity (The global goals, 2024). These personal narratives illustrate the transformative potential of cultural diversity when embraced rather than suppressed.

Culture remains a vital resource in times of displacement not just as a relic of the past, but as a compass for navigating an uncertain future. The story of Angolan refugees and countless others underscores how traditional identities are endangered yet resilient. When institutions and host societies actively support cultural expression and preservation, refugees are better equipped to integrate, thrive, and contribute to the broader social fabric. Ultimately, cultural diversity should be viewed not as a challenge but as an opportunity, a way to build bridges, foster empathy, and ensure that no one loses sight of who they are, even when the ground beneath them shifts.

 

Photo by Alain Nkingi: https://www.pexels.com/photo/tent-settlement-13415997/

 

References

BRYCS. (2016, February). CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT Integration Barriers: Perspectives from Refugee Youth. Retrieved from BRYCS: https://brycs.org/youth-development/cultural-adjustment-integration-barriers-perspectives-from-refugee-youth/#:~:text=Struggling%20with%20cultural%20adjustment%20can,living%20is%20the%20right%20one.

Forced Migration Review. (2002). The breakdown of cultures in refugee camps. Retrieved from Forced Migration Review: https://www.fmreview.org/eruesto/

Gregory Scarborough. ( 2010, May 26). A Home Away from Home. Retrieved from Cultural Survival: https://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/home-away-home?utm_source=chatgpt.com

PubMed Central, Cindy C Sangalang & Cindy Vang. (2017). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5362358/?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Retrieved from Intergenerational Trauma in Refugee Families: A Systematic Review.

The global goals. ( 2024, June 20). How refugees transform and enhance our societies. Retrieved from The global goals: https://globalgoals.org/news/how-refugees-transform-and-enhance-our-societies/

UNESCO. (2023, December 31). Supporting refugees and migrants through ensuring their cultural rights and participation in cultural life. Retrieved from UNESCO: https://www.unesco.org/en/sustainable-development/culture/ipcsd/supportingrefugees

UNHCR. ( 2018, November 30 ). MAYUKWAYUKWA REFUGEE SETTLEMENT PROFILE. Retrieved from UNHCR: https://data.unhcr.org/fr/documents/download/67306

UNHCR. (2017). ZAMBIA REFUGEES: Livelihood and Challenges. Retrieved from UNHCR: https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/1395029/1930_1490090519_zambia-refugees-economies.pdf

UNHCR. (2023). Global Trends report 2023. Retrieved from UNHCR: https://www.unhcr.org/media/global-trends-report-2023

Xinhua. (2024). Zambia's drought program empowers vulnerable households, makes environment cleaner. Retrieved from Xinhua: https://english.news.cn/20241015/7106cc690eaf4dceb74ea349d303f556/c.html

 

 

[1] "Nzango" is more than just a game, it's a cultural expression that promotes social interaction, identity, and female leadership. It's seen as a way for women to connect, stay active, and preserve their cultural heritage. 

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