Decolonizing african historicism: a critical path to african authentic development

Abstract

This paper interrogates historicism in African place, which it views as aftermath of colonial history. The study revolves on historicism as the a priori impact of colonial history in African psyches. Historicism in this context is thus viewed as the a priori images of the past and psychic expression of past memories. The lingering impact of this episteme has been proven by poor human ventures and development in African place. Hence, the study assesses historicism as a psychic impression that colonial events or history is determinant of subsequent social, political, economic, cultural and technological development in Africa. The moribund development of these critical sectors in diverse African countries however underscores scholars’ conclusion that colonial history still feeble the morale of the African and disposes him to attitude inimical to venture and development. What then is colonial historicism? At what point did it begin to undermine development in African continent? What is the connection between colonial memories and present moribund development in many African societies? This paper analytically investigates colonial historicism in Africa; its cradle and impact on African development, and opts for decolonization of African historicism. This is a move to Africanization of African history in a complementary and integrating, rather than in exclusive and dismissive way. The study finds that many Africans believe that the continent is still plagued by colonial history. This impression not only appears too slack and maroon to the Contemporary Africans; it seems to be the very reason behind the conspicuous complacent reliance and dependence of many African States and leaders on erstwhile colonialists for support and aid. The study notes that till African historicism is decolonized and reconstructed with positive African history, desire for development would still remain at the level of mere wishes.