Anarchism in Africa
Encyclopedia
Anarchism in Africa refers both to purported anarchic
political organization of some traditional African societies and to modern anarchist movements in Africa.
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 (see also Pierre Clastres
' thesis expounded in Society Against the State).
A strong value was however placed on traditional and "natural" values. So for example, although there were no laws against rape, homicide, and adultery, a person committing those acts would be persecuted together with his or her kin. The principle of collective responsibility was sometimes upheld.
Starting in the 15th century the class system began to form in the last empires of Africa, although it had already existed in some African civilizations (such as Nubia
, Egypt
, Axum
and Hausa) for millennia. However, many societies have until this day remained as what is called “tribes without rulers”, a form of “ordered anarchy”.
Anarchism
Anarchism is generally defined as the political philosophy which holds the state to be undesirable, unnecessary, and harmful, or alternatively as opposing authority in the conduct of human relations...
political organization of some traditional African societies and to modern anarchist movements in Africa.
Anarchism and traditional cultures
Sam Mbah and I. E. Igariwey in African Anarchism: The History of a Movement make the claim that: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 (see also Pierre Clastres
Pierre Clastres
Pierre Clastres, , was a French anthropologist and ethnographer. He is best known for his fieldwork among the Guayaki in Paraguay and his theory on stateless societies.-Theories:...
' thesis expounded in Society Against the State).
A strong value was however placed on traditional and "natural" values. So for example, although there were no laws against rape, homicide, and adultery, a person committing those acts would be persecuted together with his or her kin. The principle of collective responsibility was sometimes upheld.
Starting in the 15th century the class system began to form in the last empires of Africa, although it had already existed in some African civilizations (such as Nubia
Nubia
Nubia is a region along the Nile river, which is located in northern Sudan and southern Egypt.There were a number of small Nubian kingdoms throughout the Middle Ages, the last of which collapsed in 1504, when Nubia became divided between Egypt and the Sennar sultanate resulting in the Arabization...
, Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
, Axum
Axum
Axum or Aksum is a city in northern Ethiopia which was the original capital of the eponymous kingdom of Axum. Population 56,500 . Axum was a naval and trading power that ruled the region from ca. 400 BC into the 10th century...
and Hausa) for millennia. However, many societies have until this day remained as what is called “tribes without rulers”, a form of “ordered anarchy”.
Anarchist Organizations in Africa
- The Awareness LeagueAwareness LeagueThe Awareness League is a Nigerian anarchist organisation active since the 1990s, estimated to have had several thousand members at one time in its history. The Awareness League has gone through several periods of repression, making its own organizational efforts and continuity sporadic, as well...
- Western Africa - Zabalaza Anarchist Communist FederationZabalaza Anarchist Communist FederationZabalaza Anarchist Communist Front , formerly known as the Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Federation is a federation of anarchist communist organizations in South Africa...
- Southern Africa
African anarchism in literature
- "Anarchism and Revolutionary Syndicalism in South Africa, 1904-1921" by Lucien van der Walt
- "Military Dictatorship and the State in Africa" by Samuel Mbah and I.E. Igariwey, an anarchist critique of the African military dictatorshipMilitary dictatorshipA military dictatorship is a form of government where in the political power resides with the military. It is similar but not identical to a stratocracy, a state ruled directly by the military....
s. - "Toward The African Revolution" by Frantz FanonFrantz FanonFrantz Fanon was a Martiniquo-Algerian psychiatrist, philosopher, revolutionary and writer whose work is influential in the fields of post-colonial studies, critical theory and Marxism...
ISBN 0-8021-3090-9 - "African Anarchism: The History of a Movement" by Sam Mbah and I. E. Igariwey http://www.zabalaza.net/texts/african_anarchism/contents.htm
See also
- Black anarchismBlack anarchismBlack anarchism opposes the existence of the state and the subjugation and domination of people of color, and favors a non-hierarchical organization of society. Black anarchists seek to abolish white supremacy, patriarchy, capitalism, and the state...
- Zabalaza Anarchist Communist FederationZabalaza Anarchist Communist FederationZabalaza Anarchist Communist Front , formerly known as the Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Federation is a federation of anarchist communist organizations in South Africa...
- List of anarchist organisations in Africa
- Human rights in Africa
- Politics in Africa
- Abahlali baseMjondoloAbahlali baseMjondoloAbahlali baseMjondolo , also known as AbM or the red shirts is a shack-dwellers' movement in South Africa which is well known for its campaigning for public housing. The movement grew out of a road blockade organized from the Kennedy Road shack settlement in the city of Durban in early 2005 and now...
South African shack dwellers' movement that chooses direct democracy via popular assemblies and refuses parliamentary politics - The Western Cape Anti-Eviction CampaignWestern Cape Anti-Eviction CampaignThe Western Cape Anti-Eviction Campaign is a non-racial popular movement made up of poor and oppressed communities in Cape Town, South Africa...
is described by many as having a large anarchist influence
External links
- African Anarchism, freedom and revolution in Africa
- An Irish anarchist in Africa An introduction to today's western Africa from Anarchist perspective.
- Towards a Vibrant & Broad African-Based Anarchism