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Arguments :This panel seeks contributions exploring the intersection of diasporic identities and practiceswithin contemporary Congolese transnational social fields. Papers shall explore the links andnetworks between homeland (The Democratic Republic of Congo - DRC) and diasporiccommunities and how they relate to politics of &#8216;home&#8217; and belongings in different contextsand configurations. A particular focus will be on analytical approaches which connect thesymbolic, social and the material dimensions of the diasporic experience, but also whichexamine the politics and contestation of a wide range of identities in the Congolese diasporicpublic spheres, within different geographical contexts (in Europe, North America andbeyond). The panel will attempt to locate these social and political dynamics of the Congolesediaspora against important backdrops and current events - such as the 50th anniversary of theindependence of the Congo in 2010, the general elections in 2011 or the war in the East of thecountry.Themes include:    The intersection between religion and politics in the Congolese transnational field    Identities in diaspora, in relation to nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, class or popular culture    Role of diaspora in the 2011 elections    Circulation of ideas and images between the Congo and the diaspora    Mobility of pastors, politicians and elites    Long-distance nationalism and radical politics in the diaspora    Transnational political participation and civic engagement    &#8216;Development&#8217; and transnationalism    Intergenerational dynamics, youth involvement and transnational social fields    Comparative exploration of diasporic contexts    Post-colonial issuesPropositions of paper (title + abstract of no more than 200 words) should be sent before 27 April 2012. Thanks to log on to the ASAUK website and submit you  abstract using the web interface:  http://www.asauk.net/conferences/asauk12.shtml Contact: sarah.demart@ulg.ac.be; godinmarie@googlemail.com; D.Garbin@roehampton.ac.ukCongo stream at African Studies Association of the United Kingdom (ASAUK) conference 2012    Sarah Demart, CEDEM (Center for Ethnic and Migration Studies), Liege University    David Garbin, CRONEM (Centre for Research on Nationalism, Ethnicity and Multiculturalism), University of Surrey    Marie Godin, PhD Student University of East London and Research  associate at GERME (Group for research onEthnic Relations, Migration and  Equality), Universit&#233; Libre de Bruxelles