Unravelling distractions in the discourse of African decolonisation: a critical examination

Abstract

Recent African intellectual history reflects a growing interest in decolonisation, with scholars examining this phenomenon through diverse themes and disciplinary perspectives. Some see decolonisation as vital for African agency and epistemological identity, while others argue it is unnecessary, as political independence in the twentieth century has already achieved its goals. This divide arises from differing interpretations of decolonisation; one sees it as simply reclaiming sovereignty from colonial rule, a goal critics claim was met with independence. Conversely, the opposing stance argues that political independence alone is insufficient to address the enduring epistemic injustices and structural inequalities imposed by colonialism. Thus, it must extend beyond politics to encompass epistemic, institutional, and pedagogical transformations. This paper argues that these differing approaches to decolonisation are not necessarily contradictory but rather represent varied emphases within the broader discourse. However, an excessive focus on this debate risks diverting attention from more pressing structural challenges. As a way forward, we propose the concept of ‘decolonisation beyond rhetoric’, a framework that moves beyond abstract to actionable and transformative strategies. Using conceptual and theoretical analyses, this paper explores the multidimensional nature of decolonisation and its implications for African epistemological identity.