Fourth generation African scholars

Abstract

This special issue on the politics of knowledge production examines the role of the fourth generation of African scholars in knowledge production in Africa. Following the introduction by Godwin Rapando Murunga and Souleymane Bachir Diagne, Mshaï S. Mwangola looks at the mission of the fourth generation of African scholars, advocating the centring of African communities in intellectual production on and of Africa, as well as intergenerational cooperation in intellectual production by Africans. Nana Akua Anyidoho examines the linked themes of identity and knowledge production embedded within the concept of insider scholarship. Godwin Rapando Murunga proposes the enhancement of direct horizontal dialogue between Africans and African-Americans instead of the vertical dialogue between Africans and Africanists. Ato Kwamena Onoma argues that the continued use of English, French and Portuguese in State and academic activities has minimized the empowering effects of democratic transitions in African countries. Ramatoulaye Diagne shows that Léopold Sédar Senghor's conception of universality is very close to that of the German philosopher Gottfried Leibniz [Text in French]. Babacar Ndiaye analyses the situation prevailing in the world and explores indicative tracks for the elimination of the present world disorder [Text in French]. Ernest-Marie Mbonda looks at the brain drain and the duties of intellectuals towards their native countries