African Anarchism: The History of a Movement

African Anarchism: The History of a Movement is a 2001 book by Sam Mbah and I.E. Igariwey that covers the history and potential for an anarchist revolution across Africa.

Summary

Chapter 6: Obstacles to the Development of Anarchism in Africa

Africa has one of the smallest anarchist movements of any continent, especially when compared to the Global North. Some of the factors holding back the growth of an anarchist movement in Africa include:

• The education system that instills isolation in people
• The harsh nature of the law in many African countries
• The ruthless power of warlords, corrupt militaries and gangs
• Racial tensions and ethnic hatred
• The conservative, reactionary and divisive nature of many African religions.
• Lack of international support and solidarity from the Global North

Chapter 7: Anarchism’s Future in Africa

The failures of capitalism and authoritarian socialism offer hope for anarchism as a political project. Throughout history, the overall tendency in the development of human society has been toward social equality and greater individual freedom. The pace has seemed agonizingly slow and there have been innumerable setbacks, but the overall trend is undeniable. Change has been the one constant in this development, and it almost certainly will be the one constant in the future.

Africa has possibly been the worst victim of capitalism and authoritarian socialism, having its resources bled try from colonialism and its population annihilated by the tens of millions to fund a slave trade and imperial ambitions. Multinational corporations and the IMF have destroyed the ability for the continent to develop itself, leaving it poor. The rapid loss of wealth have also triggered numerous civil wars and orgies of violence, disintegrating of the state. Many of these issues are placed on 'natural' racism, but these tensions were flamed by capitalists and governments to suit their own interests.

An anarchist movement in Africa might be very easy to build, as it lacks a clear and stable system of states and capitalism. What is needed is a long-term program of class consciousness building, relevant education, and increased individual participation in social struggles. For Africa in particular, long-term development is possible only if there is a radical break with both capitalism and the state system - the principal instruments of our arrested development and stagnation. Anarchism is Africa’s way out.

External Links

• African Anarchism: The History of a Movement at libcom.org
• African Anarchism: The History of a Movement at theanarchistlibrary.org