Afrique et décolonialité intellectuelle,culturelle et politique : une lecture d'(une décolonisation de la pensée) d'ernest-marie mbonda

Abstract

This research deciphers and evaluates the impact of colonisation on contemporary African societies by exploring the historical and current dynamics that hinder the continent's emergence and harmonious development. In a context where the history of Africa is largely constructed through the colonial prism, this dissertation aims to deconstruct the narratives that perpetuate stereotypes and legitimise relationships of domination. The analysis begins by examining the mechanisms that have led to an identity crisis among Africans, who are often plunged into self-forgetfulness and systematic mimicry, turning them into passive subjects rather than actors in their own history and that of humanity. At the heart of this problem lies the idea that, more than sixty years after independence, a large number of Africans tend to deny their responsibility for the ills that afflict the continent, be they political, social or economic. This denial of responsibility, both conscious and unconscious, manifests itself as an admission of inferiority, exacerbating identity crises and reinforcing internal systems of oppression, while at the same time hindering the path towards genuine autonomy. The need to decolonise mentalities and knowledge is therefore a sine qua non for authentic development in Africa. This dissertation argues for a reappropriation of African identity and the valorisation of local histories, cultures and values, in order to restore a sense of pride and belonging within African societies. By integrating Ernest-Marie Mbonda's theses, the analysis highlights the urgent need to break with the intellectual mimicry that characterises many African societies, where the West is often seen as the model to be imitated. This research calls for a profound questioning of imported norms and values, emphasising that true autonomy requires the rediscovery and enhancement of endogenous knowledge. In addition, this work addresses the limits of the postulate of Afrocentrism, stressing the need for a nuanced approach that fosters a constructive dialogue between African identities and external influences. In short, this study aims to shed light on the contemporary challenges facing African societies, proposing ways of overcoming the obstacles inherited from the colonial past, and thus promoting a path towards regained autonomy and sustainable development that is truly rooted in the realities and aspirations of the African people