BY LEULSEGED WORKU
Whenever the issue of colonization, slave trade and apartheid is raised, there is always a single continent that comes into the mind of every individual- the continent of Africa.
Africa is a continent that had once been suffering from colonization, slave trade, and forced labor is still suffering from global economic disparity and political instability. Even if it is said that colonization and slave trade abolished from human history, the scar it left on the continent and its social structure is still visible in every African country. The social, economic, cultural and psychological impacts that colonialism brought into the continent is still observed in various forms.
The fight exerted to bring colonialism to an end and herald freedom across the continent cost Africans their blood and life. As many people agreed, though it is not absolute, the establishment of the former OAU (Organization of African Union- which later became AU -) has beamed a relative hope of ray to African freedom. It initiated Africans to resist colonialism, confront colonialists and to fight for freedom.
Recently, the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the African Union Organization, predecessor of the AU, was marked in Addis Ababa colorfully. As part of the anniversary, an art exhibition and a panel discussion was organized by the African and Asian Studies Professionals Association and held at the Addis Ababa University.
At the event, several issues concerning colonization, slavery and Africa`s future were tabled for discussion. A visual art exhibition was also staged targeting this same issue.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, former student at the Center for African and Asian Studies, Artist Sintayehu Teferi, said that Africa is a land where multiculturalism is entertained; and art is a powerful tool to express both happiness and grief. “The social value of a given community can be expressed through the work of their hands. Africa, as a continent with ancient cultural values and unique social structure has a lot to provide to the world in this regard. However, there is still a gap in the area.”
Africa should give value to its history and indigenous knowledge. Giving special attention to its history and nurturing Africa`s youth with the knowledge of true identity is the responsibility of every scholar. If not, the new generation would end up becoming cultural slaves to others.
Concerning African unity, Sintayehu said, “Africa is a large continent with a number of distinct and unique cultural values. The various types of costumes, hairstyle, arts and crafts, music and the ceremonial practices of festivals and the like riches manifest Africans’ uniqueness and reflect their identities as individuals, a society, or as a nation. Within this uniqueness, there is also oneness amongst African countries. The united hands of Africans and Trans-boundary cultural exchange within them will sustain the continent together. One cannot exist in the absence of the other. Every African country should be the keeper of its neighbor and should enjoy the culture of the other.
Pointing to his creative art work (painting) titled ‘The lantern and the glass’ Artist Sintayehu said, “That is what I try to reflect the urgency of togetherness among African countries by representing a lantern and glass. The peaceful coexistence of the two, [the lantern and the glass], is not something optional but mandatory. One needs the survival of the other. And the same is true for African countries.”
African unity is not something to be compromised with. The political instability all over the continent is costing the nation its resources and the priceless lives of its children. Developing strong fraternal relationships and promoting the spirit of Pan-Africanism will ensure African unity.
On her part, Maria Mamo, African Studies, Professional Association, Communication and Partnership Head told The Ethiopian Herald that colonization and its scar is still fresh. It has corrupted the local moral and cultural values of most countries.
The impact of colonization has imprinted itself in African arts and education. That is why sometimes it is common to see the shadow of colonization on some African paintings. According to her, promoting African value systems in the form of art is one way of preserving indigenous cultures.
“Africans had been expressing their grief through art in times of slave trade and colonization. They are still using African culture and social integrity in the form of art. After African independence, scholars and several artists have tried to become voices for African unity and preserve local identities. This activity is still being reflected in various African countries either in their creative works or any other ways.
Being an African is a privilege; and magnifying the social and cultural values of the continent is the duty and responsibility of every scholar. That is what the Association is currently doing.”
As some historical documents indicate starting from the middle of the 15th century, Africa entered into a unique relationship with Europe that led to the devastation and depopulation of Africa, but contributed to the wealth and development of Europe. The slave trade that was started in the early 15th century has disrupted the smooth functioning of local social, cultural and moral values of Africa. The slave trade which was a lucrative business to the then merchants has corrupted the mind of Africans. Due to its inhuman nature several African youth were forced to be sold in open markets as if they were commodities and several African girls were raped in front of their families.
According to an article written by Stelios Michalopoulos and Elias Papaioannou, under the title “European Colonialism in Africa Is Alive, July 30, 2021”, though the slave trade began to wane with the abolition of slavery in the early and mid-nineteenth century, the evils afflicting Africa soon took another form. Rather than providing labor to colonies, Africa became a source of minerals and raw materials vital to the advance of industrialization and crucial to the wealth and development of developed countries.
That is why it is said that “The colonial past is never dead; but still alive with Africans in various forms.” However, Africans, to end this and other similar factors and change the narratives, should look forward to prosper Africa. And to this end, unity must be our legacy.
The Ethiopian Herald June 1/2023
