Notes on theorizing black Diaspora from Africa

In this paper we examine Appiah's critique of nativism and argue that his insights on the contradictions of the discourse of nativism offered by some of Africa's cultural nationalists cannot be ignored. However, we take issue with his general thrust that appears to minimize the overall contribution of the politics of nativism in the struggle for liberation in Africa. We then link Appiah's critique of nativism to Achille Mbembe's convictions in On the Postcolony: that African leaders and those over whom they rule are caught up in an unbreakable cycle of violence. We argue that Mbembe's grasp of the theoretical issues relating to evolving African identities is notoriously essentialized and that this prevents him from experiencing other sites where African agency can be felt.