Against Decolonisation

This book critiques the modern decolonisation movement, arguing it hinders African scholarship and undermines the agency of contemporary thinkers in Africa.

In Against Decolonisation, Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò presents a compelling critique of the contemporary decolonisation movement, which he argues has strayed from its original purpose. Initially intended as a means to liberate African nations from Western political and economic control, the concept has evolved into a vague notion that often prioritizes performative morality over genuine intellectual engagement. This shift, according to Táíwò, stifles African thought and undermines the agency of African scholars and thinkers.

The author challenges the indiscriminate application of ‘decolonisation’ across various disciplines, including literature, sociology, and philosophy. He contends that this trend not only dilutes the significance of the term but also inflicts harm on scholarship related to Africa. By fixating on cataloguing past injustices, the decolonisation movement risks overlooking the innovative contributions of contemporary African intellectuals, who are capable of adapting and synthesizing ideas in ways that are relevant to their contexts.

Against Decolonisation serves as a vital intervention in the discourse surrounding African empowerment. Táíwò calls for a reevaluation of how decolonisation is understood and applied, advocating for a recognition of African scholars as dynamic thinkers who engage with global ideas on their own terms. This book is essential for anyone interested in the complexities of decolonisation and its implications for African thought and scholarship.