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Accepted Paper:
On re-occupation as political resignification: the case of Largo 1 de Maio, Luanda
Ruy Blanes
(University of Gothenburg)
Paper short abstract:
In this paper I propose to elaborate a reflection on ‘occupation politics’ and spaces of political contention in the urban sphere, taking as point of departure the iconic 1º de Maio square in Luanda.
Paper long abstract:
In this paper I propose to elaborate a reflection on 'occupation politics' and spaces of political contention in the urban sphere, taking as point of departure the iconic 1º de Maio square in Luanda, the historical site of proclamation of Angolan independence in 1975. Progressively established as a landmark of Angolan statehood, since 2011 the square has witnessed several attempts of public demonstration and contestation that attempt a resignification of the square's political envelope. These attempts have been consistently and violently rebuked by governmental forces, in a clear attempt to avoid a new Tahrir Square in the country. Using the case of the 1º de Maio as example, I will discuss the relevance of occupation as a form of resistance-based political praxis.