LIVINGSTONE INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
COURSE WORK
HISTORY OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN AFRICA
STUDENTS NAME : Mabonga Alex
REG. NO. : A023/BAED/U002
LECTURER : Nafuna Aida
Task:
What were the human rights ideologies in the postcolonial,
colonial, and pre-colonial eras of Africa?
Human rights
(Shelton, 2013) , 1Defines Human rights as the fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to
every individual, regardless of nationality, sex, ethnicity, religion, or any other status. They are
based on the principles of dignity, equality, and respect.
In examining the human rights ideologies across pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial eras in
Africa, we can observe significant shifts influenced by cultural, social, and political changes.
Pre-colonial era ideologies
In the pre-colonial era, many African societies had their own systems of governance and social
organization that emphasized communal rights and responsibilities. The concept of human rights
was often linked to communal well-being rather than individual rights. 2As (Ake, 1993) notes,
”African societies prioritized communal values, where rights were intertwined with duties to the
community” . This indicates that the understanding of rights was largely collective rather than
individualistic.
3
The philosophy of Ubuntu emphasized interconnectedness, where a person is a person through
others. This ancestral ideology promoted respect, compassion, and human dignity as stated by
(Tutu, 1999)
Eldership and Leadership Rights were emphasized. Elders held significant authority and rights
within communities. Their wisdom was respected, and they played crucial roles in governance
and mediation.
Colonial era ideologies
1
Shelton, 2013 , The oxford handbook of international human rights law, p.6)
2
Ake,1993, The years of childhood. P.56)`
3
Tutu, 1999, No future without forgiveness. P.89
(Shelton, 2013) 4During the colonial period, European powers imposed new structures that often
disregarded indigenous rights and systems. The focus shifted heavily to the rights of colonial
administrations rather than the rights of African people. 5According to (Fanon, 1963) , "The
colonized man finds his freedom in and through violence”, highlighting the desperate struggle for
rights and recognition under oppressive colonial rule. The imposition of Western laws often
meant the suppression of traditional practices and the marginalization of local voices.
Colonial Legitimacy was emphasized in this era. As (Lenin, 1964) notes, “The rights of
colonizers were prioritized, often justified by the idea of the "civilizing mission," which claimed
Western superiority”
6
Oppression and Resistance was the order of this period: The ideological framework of
oppression instituted by colonial powers incited resistance movements, where the right to self-
determination became central (Fanon, 1963).
Cultural Suppression was popular in this era. Indigenous practices were often suppressed,
leading to a loss of cultural rights and identity, promoting an ideology of assimilation into
colonial culture. (Thiongo, 1986)
Ideologies characterized with Economic Exploitation were prevalent in this era: Human rights
were often viewed through the lens of economic gain for the colonizers, which disregarded the
rights of local populations (Rodney, 1972)
Post colonialism era human ideologies
Post-colonialism brought a new wave of human rights discourses, influenced by both local
struggles for independence and international human rights movements. The African Charter on
7
Human and Peoples’ Rights of 1986 emphasized the importance of both individual and
collective rights, reflecting a return to some pre-colonial values while also integrating
4
(Shelton, 2013 , The oxford handbook of international human rights law, p.89)
5
(Fanon, 1963, The Wretched of the Earth, p.43)
6
Thiogo, 1986, Matigar ma Njiruungi. P.117)
7
Okafor,2007, African Human Rights system, p163
international human rights standards. As (Okafor, 2007)) states, "The African Charter represents
a significant attempt to negotiate the relationship between individual rights and collective rights
in the continent".
8
Decolonization Ideologies which were focused on the complete dismantling of colonial
structures and the reclamation of authority by indigenous peoples. It emphasized the importance
of sovereignty and self-determination.
Pan-Africanism ideology culminated in this era which sought to unite African nations and
peoples, advocating for solidarity, cultural exchange, and collective action against colonialism
and imperialism. It emphasized shared identity among Africans and the diaspora.
References
8
Ake, W. S. (1993). The years of childhood. Abujja.
Fanon, F. (1963). The Wretched of the Earth. Blida,Algeria.
Lenin, V. (1964). Imperialism and the National Question. Moscow.
Mazrui, A. A. (2004). The africans. Nairobi.
Okafor, O. C. (2007). African Human Rights system. Toronto, Canada.
Rodney, W. (1972). How Europe underdeveloped Africa. Georgetown , Guyana.
Shelton, D. (2013). The oxford handbook of international human rights law. carlifornia.
Thiongo, N. w. (1986). Matigar ma Njiruungi. Nairobi , Kenya.
Tutu, D. (1999). No future without forgiveness. Pretoria.