THE INDIGENOUS RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN AFRICA: PERSPECTIVES FROM BOTSWANA AND CAMEROON

Abstract

This article outlines the different trajectories of the indigenous rights movementin Africa, and discusses the factors that have contributed to its success or decline. Two casestudies are compared; namely, the case of the San people of Botswana in Southern Africa, andthe case of the Mbororo people of Cameroon in West Africa. On a general level, this articleargues that the indigenous rights movement in different parts of Africa has gone through variousphases, from expectation and success to disillusionment and pragmatism. Moreover, it demonstratesthat the San and Mbororo communities and other groups not only rely on the globalindigenous rights movement, but have also adopted alternative and complementary strategies todeal with the unforeseen consequences of this movement. Finally, we argue that our case studiesattest to the enduring relevance of the nation-state and the ideal of ethnic coexistence in Africa.