This archive report was first published on 6 October 2019.
As I reflect on the state of Africa, I am reminded of the words of Prof John Mbiti, a renowned religious philosopher, who wrote in his seminal book 'African Religions and Philosophy' that Africans are 'notoriously religious.' This notion is not hyperbole, but a reflection of the deep-seated religiosity that pervades our continent.
However, I want to make it clear that this piece is not about the existence of God or the validity of religious beliefs. Rather, it's about the human agency that determines our destiny and the need to break free from the shackles of fatalism.
As a constitutional scholar, I believe that the freedom of belief or conscience is a fundamental right that must be respected. However, this does not mean that we should conflate human agency with God's will or the power of prayer. It's intellectually lazy to attribute our successes or failures to divine intervention rather than our own hard work and perseverance.
The trauma of slavery, colonialism, and the Cold War has left a lasting impact on Africa, contributing to the development of fatalism. Africans often enlist religion to soothe and explain the despair felt due to these traumas. However, this can lead to a lack of agency and a reliance on fate rather than taking control of our circumstances.
For instance, many Kenyans have lost hope that the State will ever pave their roads, and instead, they jump for joy when a politician promises to do so. This is a classic example of fatalism, where citizens resign to fate and accept less than they are entitled to.
It's time to interrogate our fatalism and take control of our destiny. We must recognize that human agency, hard work, and perseverance determine our fortunes. Let's give credit to God for good tidings, but also acknowledge that we have the power to shape our own lives.
As Prof Mbiti would say, 'God only helps those who help themselves.' It's time to take this phrase to heart and break free from the shackles of fatalism.
