Africa: From Colonialism to Freedom – Hopes and Outcomes (1945-1980)

Title: Africa: From Colonialism to Freedom – Hopes and Outcomes (1945-1980)

Author: Dr. Dechasa Abebe  

Publisher: Addis Ababa University Press  

This is a groundbreaking book that every African citizen should read. It is a meticulously researched and compellingly written work, crafted in an African language and from an African perspective, making it one of the finest historical accounts of Africa.  

What sets this book apart from other historical works on Africa written in English or French is its rejection of the Eurocentric notion that history must rely solely on written records. Instead, it steps outside the confines of the “Leopold von Ranke box” and presents a narrative that is deeply rooted in African experiences and realities. Many historical accounts of Africa written in European languages have been shaped by events outside Africa, rather than by the events that unfolded within the continent itself. This reflects a long-standing bias that Africa had no history prior to European exploration and colonization—a perspective famously echoed by British historian Hugh Trevor-Roper, who once dismissively stated, *”Africa has no history prior to European contact… only the history of Europeans in Africa. The rest is darkness.”* Similarly, the German philosopher Hegel, in his 1956 work, declared, *”Africa is no historical part of the world; it exhibits no movement or development.”*  

This book challenges such narratives by stepping away from the Eurocentric framework and rethinking African history from within. It does not merely introduce previously unknown facts but consolidates scattered knowledge into a cohesive narrative. Historically, African history has been written by the victors—Europeans—while the voices of Africans themselves were absent. However, as African historians began to emerge in the 1960s, they argued that history should not be the exclusive domain of the victors, nor should it be a space where the defeated merely lament their losses. As one historian aptly put it, *”History is not necessarily written by the winners; it is written by the survivors.”* This book embodies this spirit, offering a balanced perspective that honors the resilience and struggles of African people.  

The primary aim of this book, as articulated by Dr. Dechasa Abebe, is to provide Ethiopians and others who may not be familiar with foreign languages a clear understanding of Africa’s journey from colonialism to independence. It seeks to shed light on the challenges Africa faced during this transition and the progress that has been made since.  

Rather than presenting a single, definitive answer to the question *”What is Africa?”*, this book explores the continent’s complex trajectory from colonialism to freedom. It examines the political, economic, social, internal, and external factors that shaped Africa’s path, offering a multifaceted analysis of the continent’s struggles and achievements. It is an ambitious attempt to view Africa as a subject of study in its own right, moving beyond the narrow lens of colonialism.  

This is an essential read, and I highly recommend taking the time to engage with its insights. 📖