Interestingly enough, Bantu agriculturalists
highlight how the Tutus and Hutus were
actually quite similar. They shared the
same land, ate the same food and because
of their similarities the need for cultural
identification escalated. Sadly, they were
separated by the same elements that made
them identical; emphasising the idea
that geographical identity is a concept
introduced by colonial powers to divide
and conquer.
Thousands of years ago, Africans
placed great value on tribal affiliation.
And that tribal cohesion was based on
organisation, reciprocal exchange and
mental homogeneity.
These factors were far more important
than strong relations through proximity.
And so, in these concepts we find our
quest for peace.
13
The Great Lakes represent an attempt at
transnational cultivation with emphasis
on how collaboration is crucial to Africa
surviving post-war circumstances. The
elements of the past can be moved,
shaped and shifted for us to build a better
tomorrow – an effecient future based on
unity.
A borderless Africa needs to be nurtured
and fuelled through cultural association.
It would appear that the reemergance
and appreciation of art, extensive mobile
communication and the efforts being
made towards rebuilding a stronger sense
of self would render the lines drawn on
a map (the real source of conflict) as
obsolete.
By Lebogang Morake
IMBO/ ISSUE 31/ '14