African Anarchism
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Sam Mbah and I. E. Igariwey in "African Anarchism: The History of a Movement" make a claim that
- To a greater or lesser extent, all of [...] traditional African societies manifested “anarchic elements” which, upon close examination, lend credence to the historical truism that governments have not always existed. They are but a recent phenomenon and are, therefore, not inevitable in human society. While some “anarchic” features of traditional African societies existed largely in past stages of development, some of them persist and remain pronounced to this day.
The reason why traditional African societies are characterized as "anarchies" is because of their horizontal political structure and absence of classes. In addition to that leadership of elders normally did not transcend into the authoritative structure, which characterizes the modern state.
It must be noted, however, that a strong value was placed on traditional and "natural" values. So for example, although there were no laws against rape, homicide, adultery, and witchcraft, a person committing those acts would be persecuted together with his or her kin. It was not uncommon to attribute acts of one individual to an entire group.
Starting in the 15th century the class system has begun to form in Africa. However, many societies have until this day remained as what is called “tribes without rulers”, a form of “ordered anarchy”.
In post-colonial Africa, African socialism has begun to emerge. It differs significantly from classical socialism because of its emphasis on sharing of economic resources in a "traditional" way, akin to Narodnichestvo movement in Russia.
However, in collapses of previous governments leading to the forcible takeover of real control by various statist, hierarchical groups such as political parties, paramilitaries and gangs, disastrous events can take place. Genocide (Rwandan Genocide), warlord situations, and starvation can be loosely linked to a state of anarchy when the previous government falls, but it is important to note that catastrophically bad social and economic conditions existed prior to the collapse, which some may argue is the fault of the government.
Contents |
[edit] African anarchism in literature
- "Anarchism and Revolutionary Syndicalism in South Africa, 1904-1921" by Lucien van der Walt
- A collection of essays.
- "Military Dictatorship and the State in Africa" by Samuel Mbah and I.E. Igariwey
- Anarchist critique of the African military dictatorships.
- "Toward The African Revolution" by Frantz Fanon ISBN 0802130909
- A collection of essays.
- "African Anarchism: The History of a Movement" by Sam Mbah and I. E. Igariwey [1]
- Historical account.
[edit] See also
- Anarchism
- Black anarchism
- Kenyan anarchist literature project
- List of anarchist organisations in Africa
[edit] Further discussion
[edit] Relevant news
[edit] External links
- African Anarchism: The History of a Movement
- African Anarchism, freedom and revolution in Africa
- Uganda Anarchism
- An Irish anarchist in Africa provides a readable and compelling introduction to today's western Africa from Anarchist perspective.
- Towards a Vibrant & Broad African-Based Anarchism
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