African anarchism

This article is about the historical and contemporary Anarchist movement in Africa. For a broader discussion see Anarchism and African politics.

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 characterised as "anarchies" is because of horizontal political structure and absence of classes. In addition to that leadership of elders normally did not transcend into the authoritative structure, which characterises 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 the post-colonial Africa African socialism has began emerging. It differed significantly from classical socialism because of its emphasis on sharing of economic resources in a "traditional" way akin to Narodnichestvo movement in Russia.

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.

See also

• anarchism
• black anarchism
• Kenyan anarchist literature project
• List of anarchist organisations in Africa
• Africa

Further discussion

• Anarchy Africa
• Uganda Anarchism
• Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Federation discussion forum

Relevant news

• Ambazonia
• Estrecho / Madiaq
• Nigeria
• South Africa

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