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Forging of National Identities

Forging of National Identities. Unity against alien rulers by people of diverse culture, without common history e.g. Nigeria- 371 tribes (158m) Kenya- 42 (43m), Tanzania 120 tribes (40M),Cameron- 250 tribes (19m)

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Forging of National Identities

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  1. Forging of National Identities • Unity against alien rulers by people of diverse culture, without common history e.g. Nigeria-371 tribes (158m) Kenya-42(43m), Tanzania 120 tribes(40M),Cameron-250 tribes(19m) • Role of the artificial boundaries imposed on Africans by colonialism had divided some communities e.g. the Ewe divided among 3 countries-Ghana, Togo & Benin • The rise of nationalism was desire to; • Create new identities • Forge unity to fight against colonialism

  2. Factors that influenced the Rise 1. New leadership in Africa- Pan- Africanist and nationalist as opposed to traditionalists • 2. Education- produced the grave diggers of colonialism- emergence of elite among the colonized societies who were engaged in various means like accommodation or struggle for sovereignty • Educated Africans opposed employment in inferior positions • Were against neglect on education- dissatisfied with the 3Rs • Non existence of secondary education in colonies like Chad, Angola, and Mozambique,

  3. 3. Role of ex-soldiers frustrated after the World War II question of pension, treatment, unemployment rewards-land- e.g. Kenya- Soldier settlement scheme- a preserve of Europeans 4. Economic and financial hardships e.g. European powers made colonies pay for the wars and administration Second colonization- excessive exploitation to pay for war expenses

  4. The Ethiopian invasion 5. Ethiopian example- Africans united and rallied against attack by Mussolini • They saw Fascism(Italy) and Nazism as a racial nature of colonialism • 6. Disappointment by the League of Nations- led to the desire to protect the pride of Africa- led to resurgence of Pan-Africanism & Negritude • Therefore, forging of national identities was influenced by both local and international scene

  5. Methods used-inclusive People started seeing themselves as a with same problems -not only on the tribal lines 1.Women- acted as spies, spread information (use of babies in Kenya and S.A) transported food to meeting places 2. Youth Leagues- Starts in West Africa- forging national identity- were conceived in the womb of Youth leagues.-activities of J. B. Danguah and Wallace Johnson, 1925-1934. Youth came together • South Africa- Youth leagues led by Steve Biko- • Meant to unite people change things but within the system.

  6. Forging of national identity 3. Religion.-Rise of independent churches that rejected western churches, taught unity, and need to dislodge colonialism • Congo-Kimbanguism (Simon Kimbangu) • Uganda-Bamalaki- (James Mungema • Kenya- Mumboism- (Onyango Dunde) • Malawi- Chilembe (John Chilembe) • Ivory Coast -Harris movement. William Harris • Nigeria- Islamized region forged unity- Jami yyaMutanen Arewa • These churches/ religions preached solidarity & exposed the selective bible teachings. Use same teaching for solidarity- Kenyatta's sayings. Kwame’s prayer

  7. Forging an identity 4. Language used to forge unity- Use of Kiswahili in EastAfrica e.g. in Tanganyika and Kenya Nyerere used Kiswahili to forge unity successfully in TZ. Arabic in Maghreb/ Magrib Yolof & Yoruba in West Africa - sign of identity Luganda in Uganda Kikokngo in Zaire 5. Use of Symbols were diverse and different Use of caps, belt, fly whisks, clothing, handkerchiefs etc

  8. Songs most powerful tool Jaramogi Oginga Odinga 6. Songs- used for solidarity and strength amidst adversity “Natoaamadonda Africa” - I remove wounds from Africa Natoaamadonda Africa na.. “ toaamadonda Africa na Nasser” Nasser – Egypt Kwame Ghana Kenyatta Kenya Kaunda Zambia Nyerere Tanganyika Obote Uganda Cabral Cape Verde Lumumba Congo Samaro Mozambique Azikiwe Nigeria Senghor Senegal Toure Guinea Savimbi Angola Mandela South Africa

  9. Winnie Mandela

  10. Other forms of Solidarity 6. Peasants protests – coca farmers- Ghana, coffee farmers in Uganda withdrawal from market/exit option- solidarity. 7. workers unions e.g. dock workers and mine workers Exploited as masses under domination not tribes 8. Role of Pan Africanismorganized byAfricans in Diaspora “Africa for Africans” Created self –confidence, led by Dubois & Marcus Garvey- “President ofUnited States of Africa.” Many Pan- African conferences took place; 1919- London, 1921- Paris, 1922- Lisbon, 1927 New York, 1945–Manchester- the biggest

  11. 9.Psychological Liberation- new ideology sweeping across Africa Negritude -“Black is beautiful” started by by Sedar Senghor and Aime Cesaire (Senegal)- Franz Fanon- wrote“the wretched of the earth” 10. Media- newspapers and radio e.g. Sauti ya Mwafirika, Accra post, West African Pilot Jaramogi Oginga Odinga

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