The BN Village - View Single Post - African Political Philosophy...***the dilemma***...

Shemsi en Tehuti · (#1 (**permalink**))

Classical governing and political philosophy in Africa seems to have always had an element of tribalism. Even when classical African civilizations rose to be great empires, the political philosophy remained tribal to ensure probably the most pure democracies the world has ever witnessed. This seems to indicate why the empires of Kemet, Kush/Absynnia, and those of West and southern Africa were able to sustain such a long and rich history. There was royalty that centralized the political/government systems in Africa; however, kingdoms usually consisted of several independent chiefdoms who elected the leaders. This tribal nature within a kingdom demonstrated the African form of democracy which ensured inalienable rights to all of its citizens, no matter the political currents.

However, this form of government has come with a price that we can easily see in our history. When these empires became divided within itself, they fell. Since each individual chiefdom is independent, it can choose to pursue interest at the detriment of the rest of the nation/empire. We have found this to be the case with West African empires, the Mossi, Kemet, Kush, and others. It seems unfathomable for the states of California, Arizona, and Texas to secede from the American union if they don't agree with the taxes levied (or whatever political issue), but this is somewhat the type of autonomy African factions within an empire could exercise.

When analyzing the Indo-European/Asiatic political philosophy, it seems ideal for establishing or seizing power. However, it always defeats itself through its own greed and aggression. On the other hand, African political philosophy is ideal for sustaining free nations as long as it does not become too divided against itself. That is the key...if we don't become too divided. Europeans, with their many divisions, were able to establish solidarity to divide, conquer, and exploit Africa, where even today, our people are still divided and seemingly powerless on the continent.

We are controlled by the same means that we were conquered. One might say that we just need to be like Europeans/Asiatics/Semitics to establish our own power. I would say that is a mistake, for we would only rise and fall like other White, Asiatic, and some foolish African states have already. Furthermore, Western democracy is not real, so we would also be exploiting our own people in the process. However, if we keep doing what we have been doing, then we will keep getting what we already have. So what is the answer? Is classical African political philosophy intrinsically inferior to the Indo-European/Asiatic model?

How do we mitigate this dilemma in political philosophy to empower the African while preserving our collective ideals?