Nation-Building in Africa

Abstract

A necessity in African nation-building is to deal in some fashion with the problem of tribalism which threatens almost everywhere to be a disruptive force. Africa has a multiplicity of overlapping and competing political communities, and, as a consequence, its peoples have established no single and compelling political identity. The nationalist party may well be the most effective instrument for nation-building in Africa at the present time, although its role and contribution obviously vary from country to country. It is the body which has led the country in the attack upon colonialism, and at its head stand the national leaders—or the central national hero—who symbolize the purpose and achievements of the people. A major element in building a sense of identification with the nation is the belief in a common and distinguished history and tradition.