Anarchism in Africa

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This article is about the historical and contemporary Anarchist movement in Africa. For a broader discussion see anarchism and African politics.

Sam Mbah and I. E. Igariwey in "African Anarchism: The History of a Movement" make a claim that

To a greater or lesser extent, all of [...] traditional African societies manifested “anarchic elements” which, upon close examination, lend credence to the historical truism that governments have not always existed. They are but a recent phenomenon and are, therefore, not inevitable in human society. While some “anarchic” features of traditional African societies existed largely in past stages of development, some of them persist and remain pronounced to this day.

The reason why traditional African societies are characterized as "anarchies" is because of their horizontal political structure and absence of classes. In addition to that leadership of elders normally did not transcend into the authoritative structure, which characterizes the modern state.

It must be noted, however, that a strong value was placed on traditional and "natural" values. So for example, although there were no laws against rape, homicide, adultery, and witchcraft, a person committing those acts would be persecuted together with his or her kin. It was not uncommon to attribute acts of one individual to an entire group.

Starting in the 15th century the class system has begun to form in Africa. However, many societies have until this day remained as what is called “tribes without rulers”, a form of “ordered anarchy”.

In post-colonial Africa, African socialism has begun to emerge. It differs significantly from classical socialism because of its emphasis on sharing of economic resources in a "traditional" way, akin to Narodnichestvo movement in Russia.