African socialism

[barret]

Hello all,

I've been recently researching African Socialism, and one thing in particular seems to bother me. I've been reading about Africian socialists such as Michele Micombero Eduardo Mondlane and Robert Mugabe but from what I've read, them seem to lean twords living as Indigenous Africans. My question is if they're general point is to return to being Indigenous because they constantly make references such as " Africa had always been socialist" and that socialism compliments their unifiying cultre.

Just so you all know, I'm just learning up on the subject, so if anyone has any great info, sites, etc for me to check out, please share !
Thanks

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

Mugabe is socialist? :blink:

[Amusing Scrotum]

Mugabe is socialist? :blink:

Its like saying Hitler was Socialist, because the Nazi Party where called "National Socialist". Completely daft.

Barret, Mugabe is a nutjob, not a Socialist.

[enigma2517]

Much of Africa is still precapitalist, thus I don't think socialism is a viable solution. On top of that the whole race/heritage/nationality reference comes across as being reactionary. Internationalism is the way to go man :)

[barret]

So I take it that socialism isn't a viable alternative in Africa? And so they tend to disreguard this stuff I've been hearing about 'native african culture'?

[Severian]

I think the whole "African Socialist" ideology involves a certain amount of false ideas about African history.

Overly sweeping generalizations are made about traditional African societies, and they're often presented as more egalitarian and communal than they really were.

And in practice "African Socialist" states have remained capitalist; Zimbabwe is an excellent example. The rhetoric about all Africans being naturally socialist or whatever serves to cover up the class conflicts between African exploiters and exploited.

Have you read "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa" by Walter Rodney? OK, me neither, but I've heard good things about it and you might find it interesting as a Marxist look at the specific history and situation of African countries.

[Morpheus]

Originally posted by [email protected] 26 2005, 11:11 PM
Much of Africa is still precapitalist, thus I don't think socialism is a viable solution.
I don't see why being pre-capitalist should stop you from switching to libertarian socialism.

barret, you might find the book at http://www.zabalaza.net/texts/african_anarchism/contents.htm an interesting read.

[JamesMac]

OK, using Zimbabwe (Rhodesia for any old folks) how is it that they have gone from a grain exporting country to a grain importing country after re-distributing the farm lands from the rich cappies to those who needed an opportunity?

[STI]

Originally posted by Morpheus+Sep 27 2005, 02:49 AM--> (Morpheus @ Sep 27 2005, 02:49 AM)
[email protected] 26 2005, 11:11 PM
Much of Africa is still precapitalist, thus I don't think socialism is a viable solution.
I don't see why being pre-capitalist should stop you from switching to libertarian socialism.
[/b]
Maybe because there's no working class capable of taking power?