dw.com
Africa's muted response to WWII anniversary
The 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's surrender received little attention in Africa, with only embassies commemorating, reflecting a shift in focus towards decolonization and sovereignty, unlike the participation of some African leaders in Moscow's celebrations.
- How has Africa's historical perspective on World War II changed over time, and how does this affect current educational approaches?
- While the Second World War marked a new era, Africa's post-war trajectory diverged. The Bandung Conference and Non-Aligned Movement prioritized independence and distanced themselves from the East-West conflict. Current interest is primarily among older generations receiving pensions from related organizations, not the broader population.
- What strategic implications can be drawn from the participation of African leaders in Russia's World War II anniversary celebrations?
- The evolving historical narrative in African education reflects a shift towards decolonization. Curricula now emphasize the neo-colonial exploitation of Africa and the pursuit of sovereignty, overshadowing the focus on the war itself. The presence of African leaders at Moscow's anniversary celebrations showcases a strategic realignment, seeking counterbalances to Western influence.
- What is the significance of the muted response to the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Africa, and what factors contribute to this?
- The 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's surrender passed largely unnoticed in most African countries, with only embassies holding commemorations. This lack of engagement stems from a feeling of disconnect from the event's significance in the modern African context. The focus has shifted towards decolonization and achieving sovereignty.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing centers on the commemorations in Europe and Russia, making the lack of similar commemorations in Africa the main focus. This prioritization emphasizes the absence of engagement in Africa, potentially downplaying the complex historical and political context for African nations' responses. The headline and introduction could have been framed differently to emphasize the diverse range of African perspectives on the anniversary rather than only its absence in several African nations.
Language Bias
The language is largely neutral, though the phrasing around Africa's lack of commemoration could be seen as slightly negative. For example, instead of "in the Togo, one does not commemorate anything", a more neutral phrasing would be "in the Togo, there are no official commemorations". Such changes would help in maintaining a more objective tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the commemorations in Europe and Russia, neglecting a broader African perspective beyond the interview with Goeh Akue. The lack of detailed information about African perspectives and experiences during and after WWII is a significant omission. While the interviewee mentions the limited relevance of the anniversary in many African countries, the article doesn't delve into specific examples or explore the diversity of African experiences during that period. This omission could mislead readers into believing that the event holds uniformly little significance across the continent.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified dichotomy between European/Russian commemorations and the lack of interest in Africa. It doesn't fully explore the nuances of African involvement in the war effort, post-war relationships with the West, and the complexities of how the anniversary is viewed across different African nations and communities.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, highlighting commemorations and the participation of African leaders in a military parade in Moscow. This indirectly relates to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by emphasizing the ongoing impact of historical events on international relations and the pursuit of peace and stability. The participation of African leaders in Moscow reflects their engagement in contemporary geopolitical dynamics, which has implications for peace and security in their respective regions. The interview with Goeh Akue underscores the need for African nations to re-evaluate their relationships with the West and pursue sovereignty, contributing to the long-term goal of peaceful and just societies.