Presentation

This first issue of the journal Africa, published by the Research Center in Social and Cultural Anthropology (Oran - Algeria), explores some aspects that are currently being debated about Africa and refer to its certain historical events. The context of this inaugural edition, prompts us to question major issues such as, for example, the writing of some historical events or inter-regional relations at the continental and international levels.

In the beginning, and with regard to the health field in Africa, Mostefa Khiati broaches a plurality of problems, problems of financing, infrastructures, epidemiological transition, difficulties in accessing care, and the management of infectious diseases. His general explorations of the particular situation of the continent, report the circumstances that “exacerbate problems of food security. the frequency of natural disasters and the spread of diseases such as malaria and malnutrition”. He thus highlights occurrences and other conjunctures of the context in the face of risks of drug alteration, weakening of the immune system, and the geographical disparity of health infrastructures. The health tensions experienced face aggravating factors that the author describes in terms of “population growth and urbanization, the multiplicity of deleterious ecosystems, the epidemiological transition, and climate change.” Such a situation, in this sense, perpetuates numerous challenges in tackling, in particular, infectious diseases specific to Africa and publicized on a global scale (HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, Ebola fever, etc.). Based on an investigation combining institutional data and facts observations, the analysis puts into perspective the need to take into account the specificities of Africans societies to promote its well-being in terms of health. Beyond international aid, when it comes to managing the health environment, the approaches recommend considering “the experience of the African individual, the involvement of useful complementary medicines and local means.” In short, it would be appropriate to build operations based on “continuous commitment and close collaboration between the different health stakeholders”.

In the chapter on the issue of migration, on the one hand,
Sidi Mohammed Mohammedi explores the modalities for rethinking migration in Africa and advocates “For a new paradigm on African migrations”; on the other hand, Nassera Guezzen-Azizi questions a part of Maghreb societies focused on “female celibacy” as a “trigger of international migrations”.

The first contribution is based on a major report published in 2020 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on migration in Africa. Various agencies collaborated on it, including the African Union Commission, Swiss and US government departments, and UN agencies such as WHO, UNICEF, and ILO. The report addresses a variety of themes such as irregular migration, internal displacement, migration and urbanisation, and labor migration. It is notable for its willingness to challenge the dominant Western narrative on African migration, which often focuses on irregular migration and dangerous Mediterranean crossings. In reality, data shows that irregular migration represents only 15% of all African migration, while 85% of migrants engage in regular cross-border activities, having a positive impact on their countries of origin. This report calls for the construction and consolidation of a new African narrative on migration, replacing the Western-centric perspective with a fairer and more representative view of African reality. In this perspective, a change of vision is requested, calling on African public policies to refocus on African interests and to produce a reliable information system on these migrations.

The other contribution, based on surveys conducted on a Maghreb scale, examines the process that triggers and promotes migration (causes, impact of education, age at marriage…). Mainly focused on different categories of women (graduates, divorced…), N. Guezzen-Azizi demonstrates that these women represent a threat to the gender order and traditional decision-making patterns. The resulting social exclusion leads these women to perceive themselves as deviant and opt for migration. This behavior, considered deviant by society, can be seen as an escape from its contradictions and difficulties. Women migration is perceived as both an opportunity for liberation and a means of reinforcing social expectations, depending on the contexts and individual experiences. Is this Maghreb women migration comparable to other women migrations from other regions of Africa? This could be a potential research perspective inspired by this article.

Ammara Bekkouche’s article, entitled “Representations of Africa through Algerian Philately,” shows how Algeria uses philately to symbolize its fight against colonial oppression and exploitation. Due to its geographical and historical belonging to the African continent, this region shares a common history with other African countries. The stamps produced reflect Algeria’s commitment to aligning itself with strategies of evocation for a better world and the aspiration for peace on an international scale. Thus, the image of Africa appears on many Algerian stamps, evoking solidarity, pan-Africanism, and African cultural and sporting activities. The themes represented refer to various Algerian-African celebrations for independence and development, to the culture of peace between peoples, to common sporting events (Dakar 1963, Brazzaville 1965, Lagos 1973, Algiers 1978) and to security. In fine, Algerian-African cooperation for the environment and development has been concretized since 1976 during the 2^nd Pan-African trade fair held in Algiers.

Finally, Mesbah El-Hadjlaoui’s article, entitled “The presence of the Palestinian question in Tunisian diplomacy towards sub-Saharan Africa (1965-1987)”, seeks to reveal a delicate component concerning President Bourguiba’s position on the Palestinian question. In this regard, based on the archives and debates of the time, he develops an analysis of the facts from the perspective of Tunisia’s foreign policy towards sub-Saharan Africa. In this context, the examination of the procedural aspects and the ramifications shows that President Bourguiba considered diplomatic activity a crucial element of the overall strategy in the Arab-Israeli conflict.

These different contributions to this first issue of the Africa review provide an idea of the expectations of the Reading Committee and the CRASC in general, in launching this new review dedicated to Africa. By addressing diverse themes, opting for multidisciplinary, and embracing a critical dimension, the Africa review aims to reach various audiences wishing to deepen their knowledge and discover new perspectives on Africa, primarily from the viewpoint of Africans. It calls upon researchers, university teachers, doctoral students, and other contributors interested in African issues.