Civilisation africaine anglophone (Mamadou BA)
Aperçu des sections
I. AFRICA IN THE WORLD: A SURVEY
Part I explores the identity of Africa through historical, linguistic, and ideological lenses. The continent's name has uncertain origins, possibly from Berber, Greek, or Roman roots, and its definition has been shaped by external perceptions, particularly those of European colonizers. Africa has long been misunderstood and misrepresented, especially during the colonial era, when it was dubbed the “Dark Continent.”
Two dominant frameworks emerged to define it: a racial one that identifies Africa with Blackness—excluding North Africa—and a geographical one that embraces the continent as a whole, from the Mediterranean to the Cape. The legacy of colonialism created deep divisions across the continent, yet historical and political ties, especially during the decolonization movements, revealed enduring unity among African nations. The relationship between Africa and former colonial powers continues today in the form of neocolonialism, with external economic and political influence persisting.
The dichotomy between “traditional” and “modern” Africa is critically examined, showing that these labels are often shaped by Western perspectives and fail to capture the complexity of African societies. Instead of being opposites, tradition and modernity coexist and interact, especially as urbanization and technological advancements reshape both rural and urban life.
II. GREAT BRITAIN IN SOUTH AFRICA
Part II focuses on the role of Great Britain in shaping South Africa’s colonial and post-colonial history. It begins with the Dutch settlement at the Cape in 1652 and the conflicts that arose between the Boers and indigenous peoples such as the Khoikhoi and the Xhosa.
The imposition of slavery and land appropriation laid the groundwork for a racially stratified society. British involvement intensified after the discovery of valuable minerals like diamonds and gold, leading to economic rivalry and military conflict with the Boers. The British attempted to establish political control through legislation and warfare, culminating in the Anglo-Boer War. Even as they tried to extend limited political rights to some Africans, these efforts were quickly undermined by institutionalized segregation. Boer nationalism responded by asserting white supremacy and resisting British influence.
The rise of racism and segregation was further entrenched through policies that reserved land for white ownership and restricted African movement and political participation. These developments eventually set the stage for the formal system of apartheid.
This test is used to check if the students have understood Part 2 of the course.
III. NIGERIA : A SURVEY
Part III delves into the apartheid regime, a legalized system of racial segregation introduced in 1948. Rooted in white supremacist ideology and Calvinist theology, apartheid sought to separate racial groups completely under the pretense of preserving cultural purity. Black South Africans were confined to impoverished homelands and denied access to meaningful education, property rights, and political representation. A series of oppressive laws institutionalized segregation in all aspects of life, including marriage, education, and residence.
Resistance to apartheid emerged from both Black and non-Black communities, leading to the formation of political and civil organizations such as the African National Congress and the Pan-Africanist Congress. Despite harsh repression, including mass arrests and violent crackdowns like the Sharpeville Massacre, resistance persisted both within and outside South Africa. These efforts laid the foundation for a broader struggle that would eventually contribute to the dismantling of apartheid.