DEDICATION
Dedication I am dedicating this thesis to four beloved people who have meant and continue to mean so much to me. Although they are no longer of this world, their memories continue to regulate my life. First and foremost, to my paternal grandfather Amadou Seydou whose love for me knew no bounds and, who taught me the value of hard work. Thank you so much “kaaw”, I will never forget you.
Next, my maternal grandmother Diariyatou “Lary” Hamady who raised me, loved me, and taught me to speak Pulaar my mother tongue and who, unfortunately, I can never send on pilgrimage to Mecca as promised.
I also want to remember my “little” uncle Massamba Amadou whose life was cut short by a drunk driver at the tender age of 24. May you find peace and happiness in
Paradise!
Last but not least I am dedicating this to my late baby brother Moustapha Seydou gone forever away from our loving eyes and who left a void never to be filled in our lives. Though your life was short, I will make sure your memory lives on as long as I shall live. I love you all and miss you all beyond words. May Allah (SWT) grant you
Jannah Firdaws.
Amen.
iv Acknowledgments First and foremost, I thank Allah (SWT) for letting me live to see this thesis through. I am forever indebted to Ulla Connor for her unwavering support, encouragements and patience through this process. I can never pay you back for all the help you have provided me, the experience you have helped me gain by working for you at ICIC and the precious time you spent making sure my thesis is always on track. I hope you find some kind of satisfaction in this modest paper. Thank you so much!
I am very fortunate and grateful to Honnor Orlando for providing readership and ideas; paramount to the realization of this thesis. Thank you for your support and helpful suggestions, I will be forever thankful to you.
To Frank, I don’t know where I would be now if it wasn’t for you huge
Next, my maternal grandmother Diariyatou “Lary” Hamady who raised me, loved me, and taught me to speak Pulaar my mother tongue and who, unfortunately, I can never send on pilgrimage to Mecca as promised.
I also want to remember my “little” uncle Massamba Amadou whose life was cut short by a drunk driver at the tender age of 24. May you find peace and happiness in
Paradise!
Last but not least I am dedicating this to my late baby brother Moustapha Seydou gone forever away from our loving eyes and who left a void never to be filled in our lives. Though your life was short, I will make sure your memory lives on as long as I shall live. I love you all and miss you all beyond words. May Allah (SWT) grant you
Jannah Firdaws.
Amen.
iv Acknowledgments First and foremost, I thank Allah (SWT) for letting me live to see this thesis through. I am forever indebted to Ulla Connor for her unwavering support, encouragements and patience through this process. I can never pay you back for all the help you have provided me, the experience you have helped me gain by working for you at ICIC and the precious time you spent making sure my thesis is always on track. I hope you find some kind of satisfaction in this modest paper. Thank you so much!
I am very fortunate and grateful to Honnor Orlando for providing readership and ideas; paramount to the realization of this thesis. Thank you for your support and helpful suggestions, I will be forever thankful to you.
To Frank, I don’t know where I would be now if it wasn’t for you huge