Stephen Smith (7)

The list of misfortunes afflicting Africa is long – HIV/AIDS, civil wars, regional wars, corruption, brain and brawn drain, etc., and this book attempts to examine its root causes. The author provocatively argues that while the continent has had to endure centuries of slavery, colonization, racism, exploitation, its present predicament is due in large part to Africa’s inhabitants. It is the result of what he calls auto-damnation: their self-perception and ability to act are bound by feelings of victimization and restricted by identities that have been created and idealized and which compound historical disadvantages. Consequently, the Continent finds itself paralyzed, unable to compete and out of depth. While the book may be a bit pessimistic (or irrevocably pessimistic depending on your point of view), the author strives to be fair but tough. There are, admittedly, a few bright spots: progress made in Botswana, South Africa, Gabon, and a way forward: the author is adamant that the continent must reconcile itself with its past – as victim and perpetrator. A tough provocative read, even if my knowledge of the continent is patchy.… (mer)