L’idée du panafricanisme chez Ebenezer Njoh Mouelle : enjeux et défis actuels

Abstract

Ebenezer Njoh Mouelle’s idea of pan-Africanism, which is the subject of this research work reflects a single reality: the edification of an African personality master of himself. Njoh Mouelle’s dream of a pan-Africanism that is relevant in an area of globalization inevitably involves, according to the cameroonian philosopher, goes unavoidably through ousting or banishing identity-based withdrawal as well as the cult of difference. In other words, Pan Africanism must be stripped of all is traditionalist trappings that hinder the efficient integration of the continent in the international scene. In his view, Pan-Africanism must free itself from all forms of pastime. It must no longer be the expression of a past that wants to repeat itself. He must be the land of the novum. That is why, in the nostalgic and vindictive Pan-Africanism that for a long time had its own wheels, Njoh Mouelle substitutes a pan Africanism that is creative and forward-looking. If such a project is branded utopian, can the Pan-Africanist project envisioned by Ebenezer Njoh Mouelle prove fruitful in light of the myriad endogenous and exogenous challenges Africa faces? Using a historico-dialectical method, this study seeks to demonstrate that Pan-Africanism must transcend parochial disputes, figth against the exaggerated individualism and egocentrism of some African leaders, promote creativity, and rearchitect educational systems to ensure they remain connected to African cultural realities.