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Anarchism in Africa refers both to purported anarchic political organization of some traditional African societies and to modern anarchist movements in Africa.

Contents 1 Anarchism and traditional cultures 2 African anarchism in literature 3 References 4 See also 5 External links

Part of the Politics series on Anarchism

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Sam Mbah and I. E. Igariwey in African Anarchism: The History of a Movement make the claim that:

“

To a greater or lesser extent, all of [...] traditional African societies manifested “anarchic elements” which, upon close examination, lend credence to the historical truism that governments have not always existed. They are but a recent phenomenon and are, therefore, not inevitable in human society. While some “anarchic” features of traditional African societies existed largely in past stages of development, some of them persist and remain pronounced to this day.

”

The reason why traditional African societies are characterized as "anarchies" is because of their horizontal political structure and absence of classes. In addition to that leadership of elders normally did not transcend into the authoritative structure, which characterizes the modern state (see also Pierre Clastres' thesis expounded in Society Against the State).

A strong value was however placed on traditional and "natural" values. So for example, although there were no laws against rape, homicide, adultery, and witchcraft, a person committing those acts would be persecuted together with his or her kin. The principle of collective responsibility was sometimes upheld.

Starting in the 15th century the class system began to form in parts of Africa, although it had already existed in some African civilizations (such as Axum and Hausa) for centuries. However, many societies have until this day remained as what is called “tribes without rulers”, a form of “ordered anarchy”.

• "Anarchism and Revolutionary Syndicalism in South Africa, 1904-1921" by Lucien van der Walt

A collection of essays.

• "Military Dictatorship and the State in Africa" by Samuel Mbah and I.E. Igariwey

Anarchist critique of the African military dictatorships.

• "Toward The African Revolution" by Frantz Fanon ISBN 0-8021-3090-9

A collection of essays.

• "African Anarchism: The History of a Movement" by Sam Mbah and I. E. Igariwey [1]

Historical account.

This article does not cite any references or sources. (September 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

• African politics
• Black anarchism
• Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Federation
• Kenyan anarchist literature project
• List of anarchist organisations in Africa
• Human rights in Africa
• Politics in Africa
• Abahlali baseMjondolo South African shack dwellers' movement that chooses direct democracy via popular assemblies and refuses parliamentary politics

• African Anarchism, freedom and revolution in Africa
• Uganda Anarchism
• An Irish anarchist in Africa provides a readable and compelling introduction to today's western Africa from Anarchist perspective.
• Towards a Vibrant & Broad African-Based Anarchism

• Anarchy Africa
• Uganda Anarchism
• Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Federation discussion forum

• Ambazonia
• Estrecho / Madiaq
• Nigeria
• South Africa