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Analysis

Anatomy of a conflict: the 2006–2007 communal violence in East Timor

Pages 265-288
Published online: 16 Jun 2009
 

The 2006–2007 communal conflict in East Timor was starkly revealing of the fragility of national identity and also of the existence of deep-seated social tensions. These tensions were embodied by a wide range of warring social groups such as gangs, veterans groups and martial arts groups. A number of recent analyses have alluded to the political and ethnic nature of both the conflict and these groups. However, the manner in which all these groups emerged and interacted at different stages of the conflict did not always conform to static political and ethnic allegiances. This paper examines the internal dynamics of these groups' interactions; and how these groups prioritised often conflicting political, ethnic and social identities at different times during this two-year period. It argues that to frame more effective security and development responses and more effectively predict future conflict, we must first comprehend the complex, multi-layered nature of contemporary communal conflict in East Timor.

Notes

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46. Although this is still a contentious label in East Timorese society, the western districts are broadly defined as the 10 districts to the west of, and including, the capital Dili and also Manatuto in the east. The eastern districts are defined as three districts to the east of Dili. More details of the historical basis of this division can be found in Babo Soares, ‘Branching from the Trunk’.

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53. Interview with Lito Rambo, Dili, 30 November 2006.

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60. Interview with KORK member, Dili, 19 July 2006.

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72. Interview with Osorio Mau Lequi, Colimau 2000 leader, Dili, 1 December 2006.

73. Interview with Miguel Manutelo, Co-ordinator of the President's Office dialogue process, Dili, 31 October 2006.

74. Confidential source within Ministry of Infrastructure, Dili, interviewed 18 December 2009.

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83. Interview with Susana Barnes, ANU Land and Property Project researcher, Dili, 19 January 2008.

84. Political Map of Dili, 2006 (internal UN Political Affairs document).

85. Some youth groups are genuine social groups, while others have leaders in their 40s or 50s and are often hybrid gangs involved in petty extortion and theft.

86. Interview with Bairo Pite Youth Group, Dili, 22 October 2006.

87. Scambary, ‘Survey of Gangs’.

88. Interview with 7-7 member, 19 December 2008.

89. Interview with Susana Barnes, ANU Land and Property Project researcher, Dili, 19 January 2008.

90. Interview with Joao Florindo, Lautem Co-ordinator of Association of Men Against Violence, Lospalos sub-District of Lautem District, 15 January 2008.

91. Bourdieu, Outline of a Theory, 38.

92. Interview with Catholic Relief Services staff, Dili, 31 January 2008.

93. Focus group with Bairo Pite Youth Group, Dili, 27 January 2008.

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

James Scambary

James Scambary is a research consultant who has conducted extensive field-based research on gangs, youth culture and social movements in East Timor since 2006 for AusAID and the Conflict Prevention and Peace Forum of the New York Social Science Research Council.