Dr Ali Moussa and Pr Augustin.H. C. Holl from The Think Tank AFROSPECTIVES warmly invites you to an evening of exchange and dialogue on the occasion of the launch of its recently published book entitled “Beyond Mimicry: The Potential of African Endogenous Governance Systems”.
In Beyond Mimicry, the authors explore the depth, wisdom, and untapped potential of African endogenous governance systems. The book offers fresh perspectives on how these systems can inspire innovative responses to contemporary crises and contribute to sustainable and culturally grounded policymaking.
During this special event, the authors will present the book, share key insights, and engage in a thought-provoking discussion with the audience. Whether you are a student, academic, activist, policymaker, member of civil society, or simply curious about Africa’s political heritage and potential for problem-solving in today’s world, this evening promises both rich learning and meaningful exchange on the historicity and universality of human aspirations for fair justice and responsable governance.
AFROSPECTIVES is a Global Africa Initiative led by thinkers, researchers, creators and professionals dedicated to addressing the global crisis of dominant exogenous models and narratives about Africa. It aims to rethink African presence in the world and African contributions to humanity. It offers a forum for exchange and reflection on the revalorization of endogenous knowledge and practices that could contribute to the development of alternative responses to the current crisis.
Convinced that solutions to today’s governance challenges in Africa can be found within African peoples’ own historical experiences and systems of knowledge, AFROSPECTIVES is engaged in the production of strategic analyses and policy papers. The focus is on major regional and global issues for African and Afro-descendant decision-makers, in particular for African Union, CARICOM and other continental Organisations.
Provisional programme
Session I: Book Presentation
Moderator: Dr. Lisa Aubrey
18.00–18.05: Welcoming remarks by Barth Niava, founder and artistic Director of the African Cultural Institute of Norway (ACIN)
18.05–18.35: Presentation of the Book by the Editors: Dr Ali Moussa Iye and Prof. Augustin F. C. Holl
18.35–19.00: Q&A
Session II: Panel Discussion
The Challenges of Revalorization and Operationalising Endogenous Systems of Governance and Justice
19.10–19.15: Introductory remarks by the moderator Lisa Aubrey
19.15–19.35: Philosophy and Cosmogonies of Pharaonic Egypt by prof. Yoporeka Somet
19.35–19.55: Early Human Sociopolitical Formations in Africa by Prof. Augustin Holl
19.55–20.15: he Xeer Issa*: Example of a Somali Philosophy and Practice of Governance and Justice
20.15–20.30: Exchange with audience
Xeer Ciise* (or Xeer Issa) is a ancient 500–600 year old customary law tradition governing the Somali-Issa Communities across Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia. Inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2004.
Practical Information
This event will be held in English.
The evening concludes with refreshments and tastings of African cuisine. Join us for an engaging and forward-looking conversation about Africa’s past, present, and future.
Please note that the elevator will be out of order on the day of the event due to construction work. For other practical inquiries, please contact us at +47 22 85 99 13.
Meet the Authors
Augustin F. C. Holl – Chair of the International Scientific Committee for the Drafting of the Three New Volumes of the UNESCO’s General History of Africa and Vice chair of AFROSPECTIVES.
Ali Moussa Iye – Political scientist, former Head of UNESCO’s Department of History and Memory for Dialogue, and Chair of AFROSPRCTIVES.
Yoporeka Somet – Professor, philosopher, and Egyptologist at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (Kenya), and Director of the Centre for African Renaissance Studies.