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Africa |
VIOLENCE
Has African culture anything to do with the existence of torture?
Africa is a continent where refugees abound; where there are on-going bloody wars; where there are serious human rights violations such as persecution and torture. Has traditional culture anything to do with what’s happening?
One hundred delegates from the organisation «54 ACAT» (Christian Action for the Abolition of Torture) met together in Dakar, Senegal, from 29 July to 1 August. The delegates came from 34 countries in Africa, Europe and America, and met under the aegis of the International Federation of ACAT (FIACAT) which was founded in 1987. The meeting’s theme was: «African Culture and the Fight Against Torture». They reflected on torture’s cultural roots, and especially on the ways and means of eradicating this evil.
Delegates first of all listed places where torture is actually taking place and then they drew up an action plan to fight against it. They examined the extent and the on-going existence of torture and then pin-pointed those responsible — countries, individuals and businesses. The delegates urged everyone —populations, civil society, foreign allies, local communities, leaders of opinion, traditional chiefs, etc. to fight against this abuse of human rights.
In order to stamp out torture once and for all, delegates called for a «change of mentality, and for support to be given to non-violence». Emphasis was placed on training and education, and on utilizing those African values which support respect for the dignity of the individual. International Conventions and Agreements against the use of torture must be taken on board and applied rigorously.
Analysis
However, the problem’s not so simple, so what’s it all about? When we talk about «African culture», do we use the singular or the plural? What about crime within African culture? Is there any room for hope or despair? How should we tackle resulting issues? Some participants said that when considering torture, you can look at it at three levels — culture, society and the Gospel.
Participants noted that African society is maladjusted, distorted, contaminated, broken away from its fundamental values. African society is grappling with such issues as sorcery, blind following of fetishism. African society has problems of coming to terms with today’s society.
But is there room for hope? «Of course», participants said. «Take a look at African culture and what do you find emphasised? — respect for the sacred, solidarity, affiliation with the world around us, a great feeling of inner peace, contact with the visible and invisible world, the importance of the community, of tradition and of inventiveness. The notions of life and death and everything connected, take on great importance. All this means that today’s African society must be strengthened within itself. There must be no place for evil».
Participants were pleased with the way their discussions went. True, sometimes there was great depth of feeling especially when tackling such issues as: The downgrading of Africa’s economy in the world today, thus causing poverty and weakening Africa’s position in the new world order; a badly-governed Africa ruled by unworthy leaders. Participants also regretted that family life is no longer what it used to be i.e. places where young people prepared for life and everything it has to offer.
On the whole, many important matters were tackled — directives were suggested as possible action plans.
See: Benin : "Child witches" are killed
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