In Africa there is a concept known as ‘ubuntu’ – the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others. – Nelson Mandela
The word Ubuntu, derived from the Nguni Bantu languages spoken largely in Southern African nations like Swaziland, South Africa, and Zimbabwe is a humanist African philosophy that roughly translates to “I am because we are” and is rooted in the idea that we are all interconnected in some way and share the same dreams, hopes, and aspirations.
As Bukunmi Deborah Ajitoni points out in the Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development. Vol. 7, No. 3, 2024 titled – Ubuntu And The Philosophy Of Community In African Thought: An Exploration Of Collective Identity And Social Harmony, “Ubuntu, an Nguni Bantu term meaning “humanity,” embodies a philosophy that emphasizes communalism, shared values, and interconnectedness within African societies. This concept is central to African thought, reflecting the idea that an individual’s identity is inherently tied to their community and relationships”
Ubuntu – A Humanist African Philosophy
The philosophy of Ubuntu as an African Human Philosophy is strongly tied to the notion of communalism and interdependence. The belief that not only do we share similarities as humans, but we are also interconnected as a society, and that actions, deeds, and words must guide social interactions, support efforts at conflict resolution, and define governance that is rooted in the collective welfare to work for the common good rather than the individual identity.
Ubuntu as a philosophy promotes values such as compassion, respect, mutual support as well as empathy which are crucial as communities work towards achieving social cohesion. In applying such philosophy in governance, Ubuntu can be instrumental in conflict resolutions and reconciliation especially in African societies whose fragmentation which is partly due to colonialism has contributed to the multi-ethnic strife that is commonly seen amongst and within several African states.
The Challenge of the Multi-Ethnic African Continent
While the actual number is debated, Africa is home to several multi-ethnic nations that make up the 54 sovereign states (or countries) on the continent. While this number of ethnic groups should ordinarily pose a source of strength based on diversity, Africa still struggles with various forms of strife and political tensions that have continued to plague the continent.
Many argue that to a large extent, the divisions and political strife that continue to plague the continent stem from colonialism which disrupted the original structure of the continent and mostly came to be based on administrative convenience rather than an understanding of the peculiarities of the ethnic nationalities that exist within the continent. As described by Rev. Aniedi Okure, OP in his article – Ethnicity in Africa: a road to conflict or a path to peace, he states that “In Africa, countries are territories whose borders were drawn artificially at the Berlin Conference in 1885 by colonial powers to fit their economic conveniences”.
In addressing these challenges, many African intellectuals, rather than relying on Western solutions in solving internal problems, began to look inward at many of the values from which they can draw upon to address the challenges faced by a multi-ethnic Africa. One of such solutions is African Humanism of which Ubuntu plays a critical role.
One of such intellectuals who provided an argument for African humanism is the father of African literature, Chinua Achebe through his novel “Things Fall Apart”. His work x-rayed the impact of colonialism on African societies which already had in place an administrative process that was suitable to the locals but was disrupted with the appearance of colonialism.
In buttressing his position, the scientific research (an academic publisher) in a publication of one of its journals by the department of philosophy, University of Abuja states that “African humanism is the philosophy which naturally enables the coexistence of all humans, irrespective of their creed, culture, tribe, nation or race. Achebe expressed and x-rayed the displeasure in the breaking of this principle or philosophy with the intrusion and imposition of the Western way of life which defied the existence of the kind of tranquillity that existed amongst Africans, thereby leading to all things breaking apart.”
Ubuntu and Fostering Unity Among Multi-Ethnic Africa
The legacy of colonial divide-and-rule tactics has not only fuelled ethnic discords in the past but has continued to bear fruit in the present. With many African governments’ administrative processes overwhelmed with multiple societal challenges, Africa has continued to grapple with ethnic tensions that have disrupted social cohesion.
In dealing with the multi-ethnic issues, the philosophy of Ubuntu which prioritizes shared humanity, responsibility as well as compassion and empathy towards each other can become a valuable tool for rebuilding trust among diverse ethnic groups as well as stemming ethnic strife.
Among the many pillars of Ubuntu philosophy is interconnectedness. “I am because we are” reinforces that not only do multi-ethnic African states share the same humanity and if stretched further, the same skin color, they also deal with the same socio-economic challenges. Rather than seek solutions in isolation, Ubuntu encourages solidarity and trust-building which fosters a need for cooperative action amongst the ethnic states as they work towards a common goal.
Crucial to the philosophy of Ubuntu is communalism. In some African societies, the notion of communalism is strongly rooted in the social dynamics of each community. A case in point is the Igbo socio-political space before colonialism and post-colonialism where group thought was leveraged upon in encouraging resource sharing both in materials and through other means to community development initiatives.
By working together to achieve a common goal and prioritizing the community’s welfare, Igbo societies have been able to drive progress within their society. This is the driving force behind the philosophy of Ubuntu where each multi-ethnic African state holds a shared sense of responsibility and works towards progress that embraces the collective rather than individuals.
As Africa is plagued by multi-ethnic strife, Ubuntu as a philosophy plays a crucial role in conflict resolution and reconciliation. Mutual respect and dignity for each other are central to its tenets when seeking to find resolutions amongst warring African states or dealing with conflict within. Examples such as the post apartheid efforts of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and Rwanda’s Gacaca courts where the concept of Ubuntu was leveraged upon to deal with post-conflict atrocities and help warring ethnic nations find reconciliation forgiveness and the restoration of long-standing ties.
Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. okechukwu.onicima@gmail.com
