Prior to European colonization in the late 19th century, Africa had a very long history of state building as well as a rich variety of social formations that were decentralized or stateless. There were four types of political organizations that were practiced by Africans, these were: 1. Clan Organization
Leaders in the Clan Organization were obtained by heritage system that was either Matrilineal or Patrilineal. Matrilineal systems are based on Mother’s side and patrilineal systems are based on Father’s side e.g. of Matrilineal societies are Makonde and Zanaki, while the Sukuma and Pare are good examples of Patrilineal societies.
The Clan leader had a lot of functions such as:
Note:
The clan leaders in Africa had local names e.g. Sukuma – Mtemi, Nyakyusa- Malafyale.
2. Chiefdom or Chieftain Organization
Therefore Chiefdom Organization system was adopted by many societies that were under Clan Organization. This included the Sukuma, Chagga, Nyakyusa, etc.
The functions of a chief in these societies were similar to that of the clan leader the difference is the chief had a larger area.
Age set system was a type of organization which involved age and sex in distribution of activities.
Looking at the Maasai; they were organized as follows:
i. Acting as a soldiers
ii. Increasing the herds of cattle by raiding from other societies
iii. Moving with their cattle in need of water and grass
i. Religious leaders
ii. Distributed resources e.g. Cattle
State organization was a system of administration, which was adopted by few African Societies while having administrative organs, army and judiciary. Each organ was responsible for different activities. State Africa can be grouped as follows:-
i. Interlacustrine Region
· Buganda
· Bunyoro Kital
ii. Others include
· Hehe
· Nyamwezi
i. Western Sudanic State
· Ghana
· Sangai
· Dahomey
· Fulani
· Oyo
Central Africa
i. Nubi
ii. Ethiopia
State formation in Africa
1. Environmental factor
Location of a place e.g. in trading while some of the African States were near to the trading towns as they obtained tax and commodities.
Iron technology in Africa also helps to the development and rise of Africa states e.g. By Iron they made weapons like spears, Arrows, guns etc. weapons were useful on conquering small states eg. Buganda conquered Bunyaro-Kutoro, Nyankole
Some of the states had good leadership and they were able to organize their states e.g. Shaka Zulu, Mirambo of Nyamwezi, Mkwawa of Hehe. Tunkumanin of Ghana, Sunsiata of Mali etc. these leaders were strong to influence their people on having states.
Men of the societies in Africa were involved on long and short distance trade as they obtained:
5. Outbreak of wars & Migration
6. Having formal Government
Prime Minister, Council of Elders, Provision chief, General Commander and others like Abakungu, Abalangira.
Some states rose up due to the influence of Islamic religion e.g. by the use of Jihad while states were turned to be Islamic states. For instance in West Africa it involves Sokoto caliphate (under Uthman Dan fodio) who managed to conquer several states in the forest zone.
Some of the African tribes managed to have strong armies and had improved weapons for conquering other states e.g. It is said that before the white man’s intrusion Ghana had about 20,000 experienced soldiers and Mali had 10,000 soldiers.
Fall of some states in Africa
i. Increase in size of States led to poor organization and state management e.g. Ghana and other states
ii. Wars and conquest while some of the states started to be conquered by strong states e.g. In Mfecane war about 100 states were conquered by Zulu.
iii. Slave trade in Africa also affected a lot of weak states while strong states managed to conquer small states e.g. Fulani in West Africa declined due to this.
iv.The system of obtaining leaders by heritage system was not favoring the development of states but the fall of states that were following this system
v. The conflicts between Muslims and non-Muslims in some societies while non-Muslim societies being conjured by the Muslim societies
vi. Weak leaders in some societies failed to organize their states in Africa hence led to the decline of these states
STATES ORGANISATION
TYPES OF STATES IN AFRICA
Decentralized States (Non Centralized)
Centralized States.
These emerged as a result of one powerful family to control other classes in domination of wealth and political power.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DECENTRALIZED STATES
Most of decentralized societies were small in terms of population and area.
Decentralized states had no political connection with a large kingdom.
Each village was politically separated and was not politically connected to neighbouring villages.
Most of the decentralized societies did not have a system of chiefs.
Council of elders was religious. Organizational structure of kinship ties lineage groups.
CENTRALIZED KINGDOMS AND EMPIRES
Some African societies were large empires governed by kings, who had near absolute power.
For Example:-
North Africa – Egypt, Nubia, Axum in North East
Ghana, Mali, Soghai and Kaneroi Burnu in Western
Buganda, Karagwe, Ankole and Tero in East Africa
CHARACTERISTICS OF CENTRALIZED POLITICAL SYSTEMS
Presence of a King or Queen.
The clan had to pay tribute to the monarchy
Availability of enough food to feed the settled population
The centralized authority was responsible for solving social disputes.
Example: ANCIENT EGYPT
Origins according to archaeological evidence, Egyptian state arose between 1500 and 500 BC. The evidence also show that by this time there were already villages of self sufficient producers who grew wheat, barley and kept animals. These producers formed permanent settlements as they increased in population.
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF THE EGYPTIAN STATE
The development of agriculture and pastoralism
Specialization of labour
The rise of Nemes who united the upper and the lower Egypt
Development of local industries
Taxation
Strong Army
Development of productive forces
Therefore any one with the following rose to power:
Anyone who could control disasters by rituals and charms
Anyone who had experience and stored knowledge of floods
Anyone who had knowledge of predicting floods
THE CLASSES IN THE EGYPTIAN STATE
The ruling class
- Consisted of the Pharaoh who was at the top followed by the Nobility, Priests, Court officials and other officials
- Followed by administrators of the people called the Vizier.
The working class
The peasants
The slaves
ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia started as a small kingdom known as Axum, was founded near the red sea coast by a dynasty of Sabean from the other side of the Red Sea. The Ethiopia arose around 1000 BC.
FACTORS FOR GROWTH OF THE ETHIOPIAN STATE
Strong leadership
Agriculture
Unity among the people
Growth of local industries
Strong army
Taxation
Christianity
CLASSES IN ETHIOPIA
Feudal Lords
Peasants (tenants and serfs)
Slaves.
Feudalism was consolidated by the introduction of Christianity during the 4th AD and King Ezana was the first to be converted. King Zangwe built 30 churches. A descendant of King Solomon and Queen Sheba.
Expansion done by 3 emperors (leaders):
Zangwe Dynasty – 12th C – 13th C
King Theodire – 19th C – 1855 – 1868
Menelik II – 19th C – 1889 – 1913 Menelik II made Addis Ababa his Capital.
THE KINGDOM OF NUBIA
Nubia lay in the area that cut across the borders of modern Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia. The Nubian State arose around 200 BC. It was called Kush and its capital was Napata. In 3rd C the capital shifted to Meroe.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE/GROWTH OF NUBIA STATE
Agricultural activities
Trade
Availability of valuable goods e.g. Gold and Ivory
Development of local industries
DECLINE OF NUBIA
Feudal lords were against the peasants
Attacks by Muslims
Disunity
WESTERN SUDANIC STATES
The early State in western Sudan was established in the region between the Sahara desert and the forest region of the South. The most important States are Ghana, Mali, Songhai and Kanem Bornu.
GENERAL FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF WESTERN SUDANIC STATES
Geographical location
Iron technology
The growth of population
Development of local industries
Taxation
Trans - Saharan trade
Availability of valuable goods e.g. Gold
Good centralized government
Capable leaders
Strong Army
GHANA EMPIRE
During its rise Ghana had two main towns, one occupied by Muslims and the other by Pagans. The rulers and the people were Soninke speaking group. The word Ghana as the King title emerged in 5th AD. The capital center of administration was Koumbi Saleh.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF THE GHANA EMPIRE
Agricultural activities
Availability of valuable goods e. g gold
Trans – Saharan trade in gold and salt
Good leadership and efficient system of Government.
Common language.
FACTORS FOR THE DECLINE OF GHANA EMPIRE
Almoravids constant attacks
Disunity among people
Jihad wars
Lack of stable system of royal successions
The rise of rural kingdoms e.g. Mali
MALI EMPIRE
Early in the 3rd C Ghana fell apart as a result of the war between Samangwa the king of Ghana and Prince Sundiata Keita the king of Kagaba. Ghana was defeated and Ghana fell Under Sundiata’s rule. Sundiata formed a large kingdom known as Mali the capital was Niani and the title of the ruler was Mansa.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF THE MALI EMPIRE
The fall of Ghana empire
Control of gold fields of Bure
Strong army
Agricultural activities
Trans – Saharan trade
Strong leadership of Sundiata Keita and later Mauna Kan Kan Musa
Islamic faith which promoted libraries and Islamic universities
Political system in Mali
DECLINE OF THE MALI EMPIRE
Weak leadership after the death of Mansa Mahmud IV
Empire became too large to control
Lack of unity and the empire was divided into three spheres of influence and they fought against each other.
Attacks by Tuaregs
Civil wars
The rise of Songhai empire
SONGHAI EMPIRE
In the late 15th Century the Songhai empire originally the Gao, conquered neighbouring States under the leadership of Sunni Ali and formed the large empire of Songhai. Gao became its capital earlier on around the 11th C and remained the capital under the empire. Its famous leaders were Sunni Alli, Askia Mohamed and Askia Daud.
FACTORS FOR THE GROWTH OF SONGHAI EMPIRE
Agriculture activities
Strong army
Trans – Sahara trade
Good administration
Taxation
Islamic faith
DECLINE OF SONGHAI EMPIRE
Weak leadership after the death of Askia Daud
The Moroccan invasion
The empire was too large to control
Religious hostility between Islamic and traditional beliefs
The shift in orientation of trade towards the Atlantic
FOREST STATES
THE BENIN EMPIRE
Benin empire was a very small State with the Edo speaking people. The highest authority at the time where chiefs known as Ogiso which meant the ‘Kings of the Sky’ and the administrative centre was Ubinu. Between 1388 – 1431 there was a series of civil wars which badly divided the Edo. After the death of the last Ogiso, his son Prince Ekaladerhan left for exile and established himself in Ile-Ife, so when the Edo people requested his return, he sent his son instead, Prince Oranmiyan who took up the throne.
EXPANSION INTO CITY-STATE EMPIRE
By 15th C the empire expanded into a city-state under the leadership of Oba Ewuare the Great
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF THE BENIN EMPIRE
Some of capable rulers the greatest of whom was Ewuare
Good centralized system of Government
Trade
Unity
Development of Handicraft Industry
DECLINE OF BENIN EMPIRE
Introduction of Slave trade
Trans- Atlantic trade
Firearms introduced through the European trade caused tribal wars that led to the final decline of the Benin Empire.
THE EMPIRE OF OYO
Oyo empire began in the late 14th C or early 15th C likely 1388 – 1431. The people of Oyo were Oranmiyan, their capital was Oyo-Ile and the King of Oyo was called Alaafin. The Bashoran was the leader of the army.
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF THE OYO EMPIRE
It had organized political system headed by a number of great Alafins
Strong organized army
Agricultural activities
Development of local industries
Slave trade
Dahomey tributary
DECLINE OF THE OYO EMPIRE
Conflict between Alafin and Basharon
Conquest from the Fulani and Dahomey
Civil wars
Disunity
DAHOMEY EMPIRE
Dahomey rose after the decline of Oyo in the 19thC. it was founded by the Fon people. It had good leaders such as King Agaja and Houegbadja who built the Royal Palaces of Abomey.
THE RISE OF THE DAHOMEY EMPIRE IN THE 18th C
Growth of centralized and powerful monarchy
Boyul succession system was effective
Strong army
Good leadership of King Gezo and later Aguja
Control of Slave trade
DECLINE OF DAHOMEY
Dahomey declined after the arrival of the French.
ASANTE EMPIRE
Asante or Ashanti empire was found as a result of emergence of several cities in the region of Kumasi. The people of Asante were Akan ruled by the Oyuko clan. The King was Obiri Yeboa who was Osei Tutu. The capital city of Asante or Ashanti was Kumasi. The symbol of Asante union was a Golden stool. The ruler of Asante was known as Asantehene.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF ASANTE
Agricultural activities
Development of local industries
Some of its capable rulers e.g. Osei Tutu
Well organized political system
Trade
DECLINE - The state declined after the arrival of Europeans.
CENTRALIZED STATES OF CENTRAL AFRICA
Example: Onya empire, it was founded in the 14th C. The head of the kingdom took the title of Munikongo or Mwekongo means lord of Kongo. The capital was Mbaza which the Portuguese later baptized Sutrador.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF KONGO EMPIRE
Technological development e.g. Iron technology
Trade
Taxation
Development of local industries
Emergence of traditional leaders with a strong belief in spiritual and magic power
DECLINE OF THE CONGO EMPIRE
The arrival of the Portuguese
Slave trade
Weak leadership after Manikongo Mingo Mkuwa who acquired up an Embassy in Portugal. His son Mzingo Mbemba was baptized as Dan Alfonce. He was a puppet of the Portuguese and caused civil war in Kongo.
MWENEMUTAPA KINGDOM
This Kingdom was created under the leadership of Mutola. Mutola conquered Tongu and Torura of the Zambezi valley. He acquired the title of Mwenemutapa which means ‘Master of conquered lands’. He was a political, military and religious leader. Mutola died in 1450 and his son Matope inherited, after Matope’s death in 1480 Changamire took over in 1490.
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF MWENEMUTAPA
Agriculture activities
Good leadership of Mutola
Availability of valuable goods e.g. copper, iron and gold
They controlled trade routes
Trading centres
REASONS FOR THE DECLINE OF MWENEMUTAPA
The arrival of Portuguese who monopolized the gold trade
The kingdom became divided into two parts Mutapa and Ruzwi
Rebellion from local people
After the death of Matope, his son Nyahuma took over. He was younger than the other Chief so that Chief rebelled and caused civil war.
THE LUBA STATE
This state is found between the tributaries of river Kongo. The Songiye people migrated from Katanga led by a leader from the Kangolo clan. The united Kaniok and from Luba kingdom, Ilungambila married into the Kangolo clan. This intermarriage gave the rise of Luba lineage of Kalala Ilunga, the founder of Munza as capital of Luba.
REASONS FOR THE RISE OF THE LUBA STATE
Centralized system of Administration where the kingdom had final say in wars and external trade
The development of trade
Agricultural Activities
The presence of iron technology
THE LUNDA STATE
The centre of the empire lay in the valley of Nkala river. The Luba kings took the title of Mwanta. It began as a simple village and their first ruler was called Mwantagaand. Ilunga Tshibinda who came from Luba married a princess from the area and their son became the first paramount ruler of the Lunda State.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF LUNDA STATE
Iron technology
Development of local industries
Agriculture activities
Good leadership
Trade.
The empire declined after the arrival of Europeans.
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