Word from the Director of CRASC

Here is a new review published by CRASC: Africa - Algerian Review of African Studies. It reaffirms our Canter’s on going interest in Africa since its establishment in 1992. Indeed, several projects focusing on Africa have been developed, including both national and international initiatives, as well as various agreements signed with foreign research and academic institutions, particularly African ones. Furthermore, scientific events, meetings, study days on Africa have been organised, along with training workshops for PhD candidates and young researchers.

This new initiative, the publication of Africa, should be viewed within this academic dynamic and as part of the continuity of our Center’s editorial tradition on Africa (in its reviews, books, and papers).

This initiative can also be placed within a broader context. Africa is often labeled with numerous stereotypes: natural disasters, wars, famines, diseases... These repetitive images spread by the media undeniably obscure the social and cultural diversity of its nations, their innovations, and their economic achievements. They fail to reflect the colossal efforts made by Africans to build a better future for themselves and their children. Understanding Africa therefore requires overcoming reductive perceptions to better acknowledge its dynamism and diversity.

This stereotypical vision also hides Africa’s rich and long history, with its exceptional cultural treasures. For millennia, Africa has been home to powerful dynasties such as Ancient Egypt, or the empires of Ghana, Mali, Songhai, and Great Zimbabwe, whose legacies and monuments continue to impress us today.

Should we also recall the sinister colonial period that Africa experienced? A brutal colonisation characterised by economic exploitation, the enslavement of local populations, and cultural transformation imposed since the 19^th century and well before. African resistance to this domination did not put an end to its aftermath; this period left deep scars, both human and structural, that still influence African economies and societies today, while some speak of a “civilizing mission of colonialism”!

But colonialism never has been, and will never be, the supreme stage of history. African aspirations for freedom, independence, and the sovereignty of their nations gained momentum after the Second World War with the encouragement and determination of emblematic leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah, Jomo Kenyatta, Amílcar Cabral, and Nelson Mandela. This process was irreversible in the 1960s, when many African countries gained independence through peaceful and armed struggles. However, there were many challenges at the time, such as those related to national construction and development, and the persistence of ethnic conflicts.

Currently, Africa faces many challenges, like other regions of the world. Despite its wealth in natural resources, external covetousness and constraints, in addition to less efficient internal management, are slowing its growth and economic development. ICTs are obviously important; they stimulate innovation and connect remote areas, but they do not cover all regions of the continent. Regarding migration, both internal and international, they also pose a major challenge, compounded by fratricidal conflicts, relentless climate change, and a legitimate quest for more suitable living conditions. And among these living conditions, civil peace and political stability remain a top priority for many African countries. Finally, a collective will at the continental level to address these challenges and build a promising future for Africans has led to the proposal of political initiatives such as the African Union and economic initiatives such as the Free Trade Area.

It is this different image of Africa that the new Africa review aims to reflect. An image of a vibrant continent, strong in its history and resilience. A review that highlights its deep roots, its past struggles, and its current dynamism, making it a key player in the global future.

Publishing a new review on African soil with an African vision is a challenge that Africa review seeks to take on.

We therefore extend an invitation to all researchers, lecturers, and doctoral students focusing on Africa to contribute to this new CRASC review. Our call is also open to those outside of academia, such as journalists, diplomats, State officials, museum curators, and anyone interested in Africa. Africa - Algerian Review of African Studies is also their review, welcoming like Mama Africa.