Paper/Proposal Title
Is Colonialism Episodal or an Epoch? Understanding Africa’s Retrogressing Progression
Location
M2225
Start Date
November 2023
End Date
November 2023
Keywords
African Continent, Colonialism, Decolonisation, Development
Abstract
After the end of colonialism in Africa, there have been concerted efforts to decolonise Africa by mopping out the vestiges of exploitation, divide-and-rule system, oppression, and dehumanization, among others that characterised the period. Following its succession of an era that witnessed the mass migration of African descent from Africa to the Americas, colonialism was nothing short of the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade save for the natural resources exploitation that differentiated it. With post-colonialism being around for almost as long as colonialism, it is yet to demonstrate any significant development in the different sectors of their societies despite gaining independence peacefully through negotiations. From economic to political, religious, social, and cultural among others, African countries have been challenged by political conflicts, conflicts over natural resources, economic instability, etc., and this invites us to ask among other critical questions ‘What is contemporary about contemporary Africa; is colonialism an episode or an epoch? Perhaps, Africa’s sense of decolonisation has been overrun by neo-colonisation. Against this backdrop, this study engages textual analysis of secondary materials including archival materials, journal articles, books, media reportage, etc. to unpack decolonisation while reflecting on the post-colonial struggle of Africa that has continued to undermine its attainment of development indices that matches with global standards. She may have shown potential and recorded small wins in the areas of music, and sports, for example, they have still not recorded impressive miles enough to partake in the global conversation. The study affirms that the campaign for decolonisation for a true African identity and development must dismantle the complexities evident in the enduring colonial mentality, and concludes that there can only be ‘working’ contemporary Africa, one that contrasts with the characteristics of colonialism if continuous but deliberate, strategic, and achievable policies that are patterned to suit peculiarities are harnessed for its advancement.
Author/Speaker Biographical Statement(s)
Henrietta Omo Oshokunofa (formerly Eshalomi) earned her Ph.D. in Diaspora and Transnational Studies from the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan in 2022. In 2019, Henrietta emerged as a Teaching and Research Assistant, a fellowship awarded by the post-graduate College of the University of Ibadan, and a Laurette of the CODESRIA College of Academic Mentors, as well as a fellow of the African Academy for Migration Research in 2021. Henrietta’s thesis titled Delta State Diaspora and the Ramifications of Ethnic Ambivalence for Homeland Development contested and won the 2022 Rahamon Bello best Ph.D. Thesis Award endowed by the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS), University of Lagos (https://www.positivenaija.com/henrietta-omo-eshalomi-wins-2022-rahamon-bello-best-phd-thesis-award/). She is currently a support lecturer at IADS where she teaches Introduction to African and Diaspora Studies. She draws upon her background in Peace and Conflict Studies, European Studies, and her tutelage under African Studies, to continue to interrogate concepts spanning migration/diaspora, environment, peace and conflict, development, culture, gender, and African studies. Her enthusiasm, consistency, and multidimensionality are evidenced in her published and forthcoming articles, and conferences and workshops attended. Her latest publication titled: Border Crossing and Return in Adekunle God’s Ire is one of her fascinating reads https://doi.org/10.1386/cjmc_00067_1
Is Colonialism Episodal or an Epoch? Understanding Africa’s Retrogressing Progression
M2225
After the end of colonialism in Africa, there have been concerted efforts to decolonise Africa by mopping out the vestiges of exploitation, divide-and-rule system, oppression, and dehumanization, among others that characterised the period. Following its succession of an era that witnessed the mass migration of African descent from Africa to the Americas, colonialism was nothing short of the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade save for the natural resources exploitation that differentiated it. With post-colonialism being around for almost as long as colonialism, it is yet to demonstrate any significant development in the different sectors of their societies despite gaining independence peacefully through negotiations. From economic to political, religious, social, and cultural among others, African countries have been challenged by political conflicts, conflicts over natural resources, economic instability, etc., and this invites us to ask among other critical questions ‘What is contemporary about contemporary Africa; is colonialism an episode or an epoch? Perhaps, Africa’s sense of decolonisation has been overrun by neo-colonisation. Against this backdrop, this study engages textual analysis of secondary materials including archival materials, journal articles, books, media reportage, etc. to unpack decolonisation while reflecting on the post-colonial struggle of Africa that has continued to undermine its attainment of development indices that matches with global standards. She may have shown potential and recorded small wins in the areas of music, and sports, for example, they have still not recorded impressive miles enough to partake in the global conversation. The study affirms that the campaign for decolonisation for a true African identity and development must dismantle the complexities evident in the enduring colonial mentality, and concludes that there can only be ‘working’ contemporary Africa, one that contrasts with the characteristics of colonialism if continuous but deliberate, strategic, and achievable policies that are patterned to suit peculiarities are harnessed for its advancement.
