THE NEWS of famine across much of southern Africa has underlined the suffering of that continent-a suffering which is the result of slavery, colonialism and capitalism. But there is another side of African experience-the fightback against capitalism and imperialism.
A new book, Class Struggle and Resistance in Africa, excitingly sets out the resistance which has already occurred, and the further potential for left wing struggle. It gives an insight into the arguments inside the left about how to take those battles further.
One of the most important questions is how socialists can participate in struggles against repression or World Bank and IMF dictates without subordinating working class interests to those of the middle class and business. The book gives space to African socialists to lay out their experiences, their ideas and their record of struggle.
There are interviews with activists from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Egypt, Zambia, Nigeria and South Africa. Read this for inspiration, for the sense that we are part of a world movement, and for the introduction it gives to the arguments on the left.
Class Struggle and Resistance in Africa, edited by Leo Zeilig, is available from Bookmarks for £12.95.
Phone 020 7637 1848 or go to www.bookmarks.uk.com