Scientific Director & Chief Editor
Komla M. Avono (Ph.D.)
ISSN 2710-4699 Online
3 issues per year
Ethnic Diversity and National Identity in Africa
Abstract: This article is the result of a reflection on the conditions for the achievement of national identity in Africa in the context of ethnic diversity. Starting from an effort to define ethnicity, with the horizon of answering the question of whether ethnicity is a myth or a reality, we have shown that beyond its reality, ethnicity has not escaped ideological and political manipulation in the construction and future of states in Africa. However, these manipulations should not make us lose sight of the fact that ethnic diversity, far from being an obstacle to the emergence and consolidation of national identity, rather constitutes a factor of enrichment of the cultural ecosystem. To this end, we have shown the need to base interactions between differences on recognition and respect for others.
Keywords: Ethnic Diversity, Ethnicity, Identity, Nation, Pluralism, Recognition.
Violations of Police Ethics in the Practice of National Security
Abstract: The governance of security in the world implies respect for the legal norms and values applicable in the exercise of security action. Côte d’Ivoire, like other countries, has adopted a national security policy whose conceptual reins lie with the executive power through the National Security Council (CNS). In the execution of the security action, excesses or even violations are observed on certain litigants in the name of national security. The work aims to highlight violations or denial of rights in the execution of national security policy. This study is based on a methodology that takes into account the field of study, the survey population, the development of a survey sample. Data collection is carried out through a study of documents, a survey, observation and non-directive interview. The results are mainly oriented towards non-compliance with legislation and regulations related to national security action in Côte d’Ivoire, practices or actions violating the legal framework of national security. All things reflecting legal and ethical violations.
Keywords: Security Ethics, National Security, Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan
Legislative Elections and the Reconfiguration of the Political Landscape in the Republic of Congo (1992–2017)
Abstract: The legislative elections since 1992 have contributed to the repositioning of actors in the political field. Internal political changes, transfers of power, recompositions of power and the intertwining of electoral alliances in the political game will be at the center of the problem of electoral processes, electoral violence’s and political crisis. The article draws on twenty-five (25) years of electoral experience from the electoral geopolitics of political parties, the positioning struggles and political strategies of competing actors in the context of authoritarian restoration. The analysis is based on scientific work, press sources but also observations of the legislative elections organized from 1992 to 2017.
Keywords: Legislative Elections, Congo, Recompositions, Political Landscape
The Policy of Border Inviolability in the Process of Nation-Building in Africa
Abstract: For reasons found wise and effective, African states judged necessary or even compulsory, the adoption of a borderer principle. Thus in the consecutive summit of African Unity Organisation (AUO) held in Cairo in 1964, the African organisation decided that the intangibility principle of colonial fronteers or be applied in the all-African continent. The Colonial territory transformed into national territory, African countries aimed at creating and reinforcing a national sentiment, on the base of colonial fronteers respect. This study purpose is to analyse the nation-states formation strategies, since sacralisation of frontiers in postcolonial Africa. Relatively to the descriptive analysis, the description-observation and the comparative analysis of press clipping, articles review, printed sources and specific works, the study enables to know and understand the colonial frontiers intangibility’s policy in a relation of national construction in the continent, after more than forty years of practice of that principle.
Keywords: Africa, State, Borders, Intangibility, National and Political.
Family Rules and the Adoption of Eco-Citizen Behaviors Among Junior High School Students in the Municipality of Kozah 2, Togo
Abstract: The degradation of the environment is due to the human action. On this subject, several initiatives have been undertaken by West African countries, such as Togo, in order to change behaviors that are harmful to the balance of the environment. In spite of the efforts made by the latter, the report is bitter, because within the schools of the Kozah 2 Commune located in the prefecture of Kara, it is noted behaviors contrary to the environmental living together, in particular the throw of plastic bags in the school yard, in and behind the classrooms as well as the defecation out of the toilets, the non-use of dustbins when they exist, etc. The objective of this research is to analyze the influence of family rules on the eco-citizen behaviors of students in schools. This research used a mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods. A questionnaire was administered to 264 students and an interview guide was administered to 35 people (school principals, supervisors and teachers). The results reveal that family rules and parents’ attitudes influence the eco-citizen behaviors of students in the commune of Kozah 2.
Keywords: Eco-Citizenship, Parental Behaviors, Influence, Kozah 2 Commune.
Resilience Among Abidjan Households Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract: A highly contagious disease that has caused nearly a thousand deaths in Côte d’Ivoire which requires adequate medical and psychosocial care, Covid-19 has caused various adversities to several households in Abidjan. This research aims to analyse the resilience of selected households in Abidjan affected by Covid-19. To achieve this objective, I describe the mechanisms adopted by these households to cope with and overcome their vulnerabilities. The data for this comprehensive case study were collected using an interview guide administered individually and in focus groups to two households selected according to the criteria of disease positivity, severity of symptoms and family consent. The qualitative phenomenological method was used to analyze the data collected based on accounts of lived experiences. The results show that households in Abidjan, faced with Covid-19 and its repercussions, have adopted regulatory mechanisms such as solidarity, positive communication, faith and religious rituals as well as therapies, so that their resilience is dependent on both internal and external resources mobilized.
Keywords: resilience, victims, households, Covid-19, Abidjan.
Local Dynamics of Soil Fertilization in the Face of Development Logics: An Ethnography of Practices Among the Kabiyè in the Kara Region of Togo
Abstract: Kabiyè farmers in the Kara region, known for their “expertise” in soil conservation and fertilization practices, have taken a long time to adapt to these new techniques introduced through development programs and projects. At a time when the use of chemical fertilizers has become part of their habits, organic crops are being promoted as part of sustainable agriculture. In this context of contradiction, ambiguity and paradox, what are the reactions of the peasants? What are their perceptions and practices before this situation? This paper is based on qualitative empirical surveys of an ethnographic type to answer these questions. As results, we generally note that these farmers are in favor of the promotion of organic crops that are similar to their customary farming practices. Constraints related to their survival and the practicability of organic manure has pushed them to adopt chemical fertilizers on which they have become dependent. Perhaps, from within, lasting and conciliatory strategies can be found.
Keywords: Agricultural practices, Soil fertilization, Development, Kara region; Togo.
Local Knowledge and Practices Regarding Epidemic-Prone Diseases Among the Éwé of Togo
Abstract: Epidemic diseases that occur in several African societies have caused multifaceted devastation. They have had enormous social and economic consequences. In order to limit their spread and reduce the damage, both the communities and the administrative authorities of the countries where these diseases occur adopt measures and define strategies. However, the inclusion of these diseases in popular nosology leads some societies to refuse the provisions of modern health officials. Misunderstandings then arise, leading some African societies to deduce the development of an international plot aimed at exterminating part of their population. However, health authorities do not necessarily take into account social logics in the definition of strategies, whereas any disease takes on antithetical aspects based on the relationships that societies have with their environments. This article intends to present the knowledge and know-how of Togolese communities on epidemics, taking the particular case of the Ewes. Using the methodology based on documentary research, field observations, and surveys of collective knowledge repositories, the research shows that the Ewe populations in southern Togo have knowledge of epidemics of which they have specific and precise representations. Against which they have developed local knowledge and practices.
Keywords: Local knowledge, practices, epidemics, Ewe, Togo.
Tanganyika and the Federal Republic of Germany Until Shortly After 1964
Abstract: At the end of the 15th century, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to be in East Africa. Nevertheless, Arabs were already there. Those people sold gold and slaves. After the Portuguese, Britishes, French and German people came there. The German founded the colony of Tanganyika. This study deals with Tanganyika, which was the first German colony and then a British colony. Tanganyika has been independent in 1961. In 1964, Tanganyika has been called Tanzania. The objective of this study, is to know which kind of politic, Tanganyika did against the Federal Republic of Germany, when Tanganyika has been independent. In fact, this country entered into conflict with the Federal Republic of Germany, shortly after it has been independent.
Keywords: Tanganyika, Germany, United Kingdom, Colony, Julius Nyerere
Language Policy and the Teaching of Foreign Languages in Togo: From the Colonial Period to the Present
Abstract: Like many African countries, the Togolese educational system reserves a place of choice, if not exclusive to foreign languages. This fact often leads any observer of the Togolese school to wonder about the reasons for the choice of language policy in Togolese schools. In this sense, this article proposes to revisit a part of Togo’s history in order to bring answers to this legitimate concern, which refers to the predominant place of foreign languages in Togo’s school programs to the detriment of national languages. This contribution has attempted, first, to identify the mechanisms by which foreign languages have been introduced into the Togolese educational system. Then it presented the objectives for which they were/are learned and finally the article pronounced on the status of foreign languages and national languages in the Togolese educational system.
Keywords: Language Policy, Foreign Languages, National Languages, Togo, Colonization.
On the History of the French Language: What Lessons for Multilingual Francophone African States?
Abstract: In this research work, we are interested by multilingualism issue in francophone african countries. The study is focused on applied linguistics and especially language policy (Guespin and Marcellesi). It questiones French language history and tries to understand how this linguistic account can inspire african political leaders in their desire to emancipate african languages. The study is essentially based on Burkina Faso language policy. It appears from our analysis that despites the complex linguistic situation of these countries, a real political will can lead to an effective and efficient language policy for the well-being of african language as well as Burkina Faso’s ones. And the new language policy of this country constitutes an outset in the management of linguistic patrimony of this country even if some challenges must be overcome.
Keywords: States, Multilingualism, African Languages, French, Language Policy.
Fragmentary Writing: Toward a Renewal of Literary Aesthetics in The Festival of Masks by Sami Tchak
Abstract: This paper will, in the light of semiotics, explore how Sami Tchak, through an effort to write free of the classical canons, has given freedom of tone as well as the breakdown of structure as an additional element of meaning in La Fête des masques. In this novel, the author adopts a style of a new writing, characterized by the enunciative blurring, stepping away from the Balzacian style, depicting scriptural violence, doubtful setting and especially making caricature of political figures. Thus, the author makes explicit his consideration for the European classical model and portrays himself as a proponent of the African literary aesthetics renewal.
Keywords: Fragmentary Writing, Renewal, Literary Aesthetics, Clumsiness, Deconstruction
The Power of Fate or the Gods’ Fault? A Semiotic Analysis of The Gods Are Not to Blame
Abstract: Fate is a force, a principle with decisive or far-reaching consequences that inevitably happens to somebody or something. In Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame, the destiny of Odewale, the main character of the play, has been predicted at birth that he will kill his father and marry his mother. Thus, mixed up incidents work out to make things so mysterious that the predicted fate comes to pass. This paper, through a semiotic approach, analyses the different elements of fate that worked out against Odewale leading to his downfall. It also discusses the passive role played by the gods and how this fact has negatively influenced characters’ lives showing that the gods are to blame too.
Keywords: Power, Fate, Irresponsible, Gods, Blame.
On the Power of Positive Thinking: A Reading of Diana Bamford McBagonluri’s Tears of a Rain Goddess
Abstract: This paper uses Martin Seligman’s (1942) theory of Positive Psychology to demonstrate that one’s thinking is instrumental to one’s achievement and happiness in life. The theory holds that a person’s outcome in life depends on their thinking. The paper seeks, therefore, to establish an intrinsic link between McBagonluri’s protagonist’s achievement and her thinking. On the one hand, it elaborates on how the author has succeeded in deconstructing the existing sexist representation of women. On the other hand, it sheds light on indispensable traits that have helped McBagonluri’s protagonist to rise beyond the social limitations imposed by patriarchal ideology on women.
Keywords: Positive Thinking; social limitations; patriarchy; sexism; positive psychology
The Redeemed Black Identity in Margaret Walker’s “For My People” and Langston Hughes’s “I, Too”: A Critical Race Theory Reading
Abstract: This paper proposes to highlight the redeemed black identity in the American society. It aims at exposing how Hughes’s “I, Too” and Walker’s “For My People” portray the new Black identity. As poets of the Harlem Renanissance, Margaret Walker and Langston Hughes have felt concerned with awareness raising among the African-American communities. They sought to make Blacks aware of the identity conflicts and the need to eliminate the ambiguity and internal damnation occasioned by centuries of slavery. In the context of this paper, the poems of Margaret Walker and Langston Hughes are read through the lenses of the critical race theory. The article seeks to bring out how the authors have granted a new image to Blacks by proposing a new black identity in the American society.
Keywords: Black, Identity, American, Redemption, Critical Race Theory, Poetry