Colonial and Indigenous Political Structures in Africa: Key Concepts and Critiques

What is the main critique of the Kony 2012 campaign?

It oversimplified a complex conflict and ignored local perspectives.

What was the goal of the Kony 2012 campaign?

To raise awareness of Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony and pressure governments to capture him.

What criticisms were leveled against the Live Aid concert?

Allegations of funds being diverted to the Ethiopian government, lack of black British artists, and promoting a simplistic 'save Africa' narrative.

What does Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie mean by 'The Danger of a Single Story'?

It refers to the oversimplification of complex identities and experiences, leading to stereotypes.

What was the role of Warrant Chiefs in colonial Nigeria?

They were appointed by the British to exert control over local populations, undermining traditional authority.

What was the significance of the 1929 Women's War in Nigeria?

It was a protest against the taxation of women, leading to the abolition of the Warrant Chief system.

What were the three C's promoted by Otto Von Bismarck during the Berlin Conference?

Christianity, Commerce, and Civilization.

What was a primary goal of colonizers in Africa?

To extract revenue and establish control over local populations.

What economic practices were imposed on African subjects during colonization?

Mining, plantation agriculture, head taxes, and forced labor.

What was the impact of the Berlin Conference on African boundaries?

It established arbitrary boundaries with no African representation, leading to future conflicts.

What was the outcome of the Aba Women's protests in 1929?

The Warrant Chief system was abolished, and women gained roles in native courts.

What was the colonial political economy's goal?

To achieve financial self-sufficiency for the colonial state by compelling Africans to finance their own domination.

What was the role of private companies in colonial Africa?

They partnered with colonial regimes to exploit resources and exert control over territories.

What was the significance of the phrase 'consumer aid' in the context of Live Aid?

It highlighted how celebrity involvement could overshadow genuine humanitarian efforts.

What does the term 'White Saviorism' refer to?

A narrative where white individuals or organizations act as saviors for people of color, often oversimplifying complex issues.

What was the effect of colonial taxation on African economies?

It forced Africans into labor markets and shifted agricultural practices from subsistence to cash crops.

What was the impact of the colonial era on African political structures?

It disrupted traditional authority and imposed foreign governance systems.

What was the primary agricultural focus in colonial Mali?

Intensifying cotton production, with compulsory cultivation imposed by colonial authorities.

What does Faloyin argue about the representation of Africans in colonial narratives?

He suggests that these narratives often deny Africans complex identities and agency.

How did the colonial state finance its administration?

Through taxes collected from African subjects, often at the expense of their welfare.

What was the role of the British Crown in colonial enterprises?

It granted economic and military control to private companies to advance British interests.

What was the significance of the 1880s in the context of colonial conquest in Africa?

It marked the eve of colonial conquest, challenging the notion that Africa was primitive or static.

What were the two main goals of all colonizers in Africa?

To extract wealth and establish hegemony over local populations.

What methods did women use to protest against the Warrant Chief system?

They used the 'sitting on a man' method, expressing grievances through dance, song, and noise.

What are common characteristics of centralized states?

Centralized states typically have a hierarchy above village level, bureaucratic organization, a king or queen, councils, a court system, taxes, militaries, and both temporal and spiritual authority.

What is the structure of the judicial system in the Benin Kingdom?

The judicial system includes a hierarchy from lineage head court to the Oba Palace Court, with levels such as Quarter/neighborhood court and Council of Elders.

What was a significant feature of the Mali Empire during the 13th to 17th century?

The Mali Empire had a large army, control over trade routes, and was known for spreading Islam, establishing universities, and notable architecture like Timbuktu and the Great Mosque of Djenne.

What role did Timbuktu play in the Mali Empire?

Timbuktu was a trading town that became a center of Islamic culture and learning, housing a significant university.

What are common characteristics of decentralized polities?

Decentralized polities lack a central authority, have limited administrative machinery, and feature multiple centers of power with decentralized authority across lineages.

What is an example of a decentralized political organization in Africa?

Somalia prior to colonization exemplified a clan society with no central authority among clans, characterized by competition and shifting alliances.

What is the significance of the Gikuyu system of government?

The Gikuyu system, described by Jomo Kenyatta, reflects enduring rules and organized practices that govern social, political, and economic life among the Kikuyu people.

What is the difference between formal and informal institutions?

Formal institutions are openly codified and official, while informal institutions consist of socially shared rules that guide behavior.

What is the concept of 'indirect rule' in colonial governance?

Indirect rule involves governing through traditional authorities or chiefs, allowing them to maintain some internal autonomy while serving colonial interests.

How did Lord Lugard implement indirect rule in Nigeria?

Lugard utilized existing machinery by working with traditional leaders in centralized states in the North and creating 'Warrant Chiefs' in decentralized polities in the Southeast.

What is 'direct rule' in the context of colonial governance?

Direct rule involves controlling all levels of government through European officers, often replacing local leaders and undermining traditional authority.

What was the Indigenat policy in French colonies?

The Indigenat policy allowed colonial authorities to impose arbitrary punishments without legal recourse, enforcing labor and obedience through brutal measures.

What were common punishments under the Indigenat policy?

Common punishments included banishment, fines, and imprisonment, often used to suppress resistance and control the population.

What does Crowder argue about indirect and direct rule?

Crowder argues that indirect and direct rule are fundamentally different in their approach to authority, with indirect rule seeking to build chiefs' authority and direct rule aiming to replace it.

What is meant by 'existing machinery' in colonial governance?

Existing machinery refers to the pre-colonial political institutions and structures that colonial powers utilized to facilitate governance.

What impact did colonial rule have on the Gikuyu people's respect for their chiefs?

The Gikuyu people often did not respect appointed chiefs, viewing them as unrepresentative of community interests, which undermined the legitimacy of colonial governance.

What is the role of ceremony and ritual in the Gikuyu system of government?

Ceremony and ritual played a significant role in reinforcing group identity and the political institutions of the Gikuyu, contributing to their social cohesion.

What are 'customary institutions' in contemporary Africa?

Customary institutions are political institutions that have origins in precolonial practices and continue to influence social and political life today.

How do precolonial institutions differ across societies?

Precolonial institutions vary in their rules and norms regulating social, political, and economic life, including power dynamics, land access, and conflict resolution.

What is the significance of the bronze sculptures in the Benin Kingdom?

The bronze sculptures on palace walls represented the power and authority of the kingdom, serving as a symbol of its political and cultural heritage.

What was the role of the Oba in the Benin Kingdom?

The Oba served as the king and central authority figure, overseeing the complex political institutions and maintaining the hierarchy within the kingdom.

What characterized the political organization of the Maasai in Kenya and Tanzania?

The Maasai had an 'Age Set Society' where groups born around the same time held different responsibilities within the political community.

What is the relationship between colonial rule and traditional institutions in Africa?

Colonial rule often disrupted traditional institutions, yet many customary practices and identities persisted, influencing contemporary governance.

What does Kenyatta suggest about the legal system in precolonial Gikuyuland?

Kenyatta implies that there were enduring rules and practices that functioned as a legal system, governing social and political interactions.

What is the role of Local Chiefs (Chef de Canton) in the context of indigenat policy?

They are responsible for enforcing indigenat policy but can also be subject to it themselves.

What classes were exempted from the indigenat policy?

Citizens in four communes and soldiers from World War I.

How does Asiwaju view the concept of indigenat?

As reinforcing the idea that it is appropriate for primitive or childlike populations.

What is structural violence?

Harm caused by institutions, policies, and laws that create social injustice and inequality.

How does indigenat relate to structural and physical violence?

Indigenat exemplifies both forms of violence as it supports colonization through exploitation.

What was the Cha Cha Cha Campaign in Zambia?

A civil disobedience campaign organized by Kenneth Kaunda and UNIP that included strikes, arsons, and protests against British rule.

What historical context led to the Cha Cha Cha Campaign?

Zambia was under British rule, facing heavy taxation and a lack of rights for Africans, leading to resistance movements.

What was the outcome of the 1958 Referendum in French West Africa?

Guinea was the only nation to vote overwhelmingly 'non' to the proposed constitution, rejecting French control.

Who was Sekou Toure and what was his significance in Guinea?

He was a leader who organized the underclass against France's extractive economy and became a key figure in Guinea's independence.

What structural factors contributed to the independence movements in Africa?

Growth of primary education, urbanization, and the involvement of educated elites.

What was the significance of the 5th Pan-African Congress?

It declared the determination of African nations to achieve freedom, democracy, and social betterment.

What was the impact of WWII on African colonial subjects?

It highlighted the hypocrisy of colonial powers as African soldiers fought alongside Europeans while being denied self-determination.

What does Francafrique refer to?

The continued military, economic, and political influence of France in its former colonies post-independence.

What challenges did newly-independent countries face according to Ajayi?

Leaders were often clearer about what they wanted to end than about what they wanted to establish in its place.

What was Kenneth Kaunda's stance during the UNIP conference regarding the new constitution?

He denounced the constitution and called for a more aggressive approach to independence, moving away from patience.

What was the role of the British South Africa Company (BSAC) in Zambia?

It sought to exploit Zambian labor for mining, imposing heavy taxes to force Africans into mining jobs.

What was the significance of the Central African Federation?

It combined Northern and Southern Rhodesia with Nyasaland, leading to increased resistance from African populations.

What did the 1960 independence of 14 African countries signify?

It marked a significant shift in colonial power dynamics, particularly in French territories.

How did the Portuguese view their colonies differently from the British and French?

They referred to them as 'overseas provinces' rather than colonies, reflecting a different approach to governance.

What was the outcome of the dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland?

It led to Kenneth Kaunda's rise to power and Zambia's independence.

What was the role of grassroots alliances in Guinea's independence?

They effectively mobilized the vast underclass and organized disenfranchised populations against colonial rule.

What was the impact of the Atlantic Charter on African independence movements?

It upheld the right to self-determination, which was a rallying point for anti-colonial struggles.

What was the significance of the Convention People's Party (CPP) in Ghana?

It played a crucial role in mobilizing support for independence through strikes and protests.

What does Ajayi suggest about the intellectuals leading the independence struggle?

They were often more focused on ending colonial rule than on outlining a clear vision for the future.

What is Personal Rule?

A form of governance where authority comes from the ruler rather than constitutional frameworks, emphasizing political survival over economic policy.

How does colonization contribute to Personal Rule?

Colonization establishes arbitrary governance that disregards indigenous institutions, leading to a system where new leadership does not change the underlying personal rule.

What is the significance of the term 'Indigenat' in the context of colonial rule?

It refers to an arbitrary penal code imposed by colonial governments, highlighting the lack of legitimate legal frameworks.

What are the characteristics of non-democratic regimes in Africa from 1965 to 1990?

These regimes often featured personal rule, single-party rule, and military dictatorships, exemplified by leaders like Mobutu.

What does informality refer to in the context of political response?

Informality describes unregulated practices and institutions that flourish outside of state control, often as a response to weak governance.

What are the four mechanisms of citizen response to political uncertainty as identified by Azarya and Chazan?

1. Suffer Manage: small adaptations to shortages; 2. Escape: emigration; 3. Build Parallel Systems: alternatives to state services; 4. Self-Enclosure: retreating to subsistence practices.

What is the Zairation Policy under Mobutu?

A policy that nationalized enterprises and restricted access to the private sector for women, benefiting the ruling elite.

What impact did Mobutu's economic policies have on citizens?

They created disparities, leading citizens to exit the formal economy through petty trade and smuggling.

What evidence suggests an increase in smuggling in the Congo?

Graphs showing increased gold imports from Burundi and a rise in copper production exceeding exports indicate potential smuggling activities.

What role do ethnic associations play in informal economies?

They provide trust and support for economic transactions, acting as a form of contract enforcement in the absence of state legitimacy.

What is Ekeh's Two Publics Theory?

A theory that describes the disconnect between the moral duties of citizens and the civic obligations imposed by the state, leading to corruption and weak state-society relations.

What are the implications of the Two Publics Theory for tax compliance?

It predicts low tax compliance due to the lack of moral legitimacy of the state and the prioritization of primordial public interests over civic duties.

What critiques exist regarding Ekeh's Two Publics Theory?

Critics argue it focuses too much on elite interests and does not account for the complexities of non-elite identities and motivations.

How does colonialism affect state legitimacy in Africa?

Colonialism creates a disconnect between state authority and societal trust, leading to reliance on ethnic and informal organizations for governance.

What does the term 'alien state' refer to in the context of Ekeh's theory?

An alien state is one that is imposed from outside and does not align with the indigenous moral and social frameworks of the population.

What is the significance of the disconnect between state and society?

It leads to a lack of moral legitimacy, fostering corruption and reliance on informal systems for governance and service provision.

What is the relationship between ethnicity and urban life according to Ekeh?

Ethnicity remains relevant in urban areas due to the turbulence of urban life, leading to increased inter-ethnic animosity among educated elites.

How does Ekeh's Two Publics Theory explain the persistence of ethnic identities?

It suggests that the failure of the state to provide legitimacy and services leads individuals to revert to ethnic affiliations for support and security.

What are the broader impacts of citizen disengagement from the state?

Long-term implications include weakened state authority, increased reliance on informal economies, and potential social unrest.

What strategies could a new government implement to reduce smuggling and increase taxes?

Strengthening state legitimacy, improving service delivery, and fostering trust in state institutions could help address these issues.

What does the term 'self-enclosure' mean in the context of citizen responses?

Self-enclosure refers to individuals retreating from the formal economy and state systems, often reverting to subsistence agriculture and local kinship ties.

What is the role of parallel institutions in the context of informal economies?

They provide alternative governance structures and services, such as dispute resolution and economic transactions, outside of state control.

How does the concept of 'suffer manage' manifest in citizen behavior?

Citizens make small adaptations, such as altering diets or cultivating urban gardens, in response to shortages and economic decline.

What is Traditional Conflict Resolution?

A structured mechanism communities use to settle disputes outside of formal state courts, rooted in customs and cultural norms.

Why does conflict resolution matter in Ghana?

It protects economic and social relations, maintains social order, and reinforces core values like harmony and respect.

Who presides over cases involving land disputes in Ghana?

Chiefs preside over such cases.

What role do elders play in traditional conflict resolution?

Elders serve as mediators and sit alongside chiefs in a council of advisors.

What is the first point of contact for dispute resolution within families?

Family heads preside over cases such as inheritance and marriage disputes.