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Chinweizu’s Vision: Unveiling the Complexities of Pan-Africanism and African Sovereignty
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2025
Abstract
The paper critically revisits Chinweizu’s contributions to Pan-Africanism and African sovereignty, focusing on his analysis of Arab and Western imperialism, internal complicity, and the concept of “culturecide.” His call for a distinct Black African identity is explored as a foundation for reclaiming sovereignty, while also addressing critiques of nativism and essentialism. A nuanced approach to decolonization is proposed, emphasizing its relevance in today’s globalized world. Chinweizu’s ideas challenge a rethinking of the intersections between history, culture, and power in the ongoing quest for African autonomy.
Résumé
Cet article revisite de manière critique les contributions de Chinweizu au panafricanisme et à la souveraineté africaine, en concentrant son analyse sur l’impérialisme arabe et occidental, la complicité interne et le concept de « culturecide ». Son appel à une identité noire africaine distincte est exploré comme un fondement pour revendiquer la souveraineté tout en répondant aux critiques du nativisme et de l’essentialisme. Une approche nuancée de la décolonisation est proposée, soulignant sa pertinence dans le monde globalisé d’aujourd’hui. Les idées de Chinweizu remettent en question la nécessité de repenser les intersections entre l’histoire, la culture et le pouvoir dans la quête continue de l’autonomie africaine.
Resumo
Este artigo revisita atentamente os contributos de Chinweizu para o pan-africanismo e a soberania africana, centrando-se na sua análise do imperialismo árabe e ocidental, da cumplicidade interna e do conceito de “culturcídio”. O seu apelo à criação de uma identidade negra Africana diferente é explorado enquanto alicerce para exigir a soberania, ao mesmo tempo que critica o nativismo e o essencialismo. Propõe-se aqui uma abordagem um pouco diferente da descolonização, com ênfase na sua relevância para o atual mundo globalizado. As ideias de Chinweizu desafiam-nos a repensar as intersecções entre história, cultura e poder, na contínua procura da autonomia africana.
- Type
- Neglected Voices in African Studies
- Information
- Copyright
- © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of African Studies Association
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