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The Africa Institute (GSU) hosted Joseph Tonda, a Professor of Sociology and Anthropology from Omar Bongo University in Libreville, Gabon, who shared his research titled “Sovereignty Out of Self in Afro-dystopia” as part of our Seminar Series on Wednesday, 17 April 2024. The virtual webinar enabled a conversation with Professor Tonda on the intricate concept of Afro-dystopia and its implications for contemporary discourse.
In his presentation, Professor Tonda expounded upon the notion of Afro-dystopia, framing it as more than just the physical geography of Africa. Rather, he posited it as a psychological construct, an intangible yet undeniable reality shaping perceptions of the continent. Central to his argument was the idea of sovereignty, which, he contended, emanates not from conventional political structures but from the collective consciousness of those who inhabit this Afro-dystopian realm.
Drawing from empirical evidence gleaned from his fieldwork and theoretical insights, Professor Tonda navigated through the complexities of Afro-dystopia. He articulated how this concept transcends geographical boundaries, permeating societal structures and individual psyches alike.
According to Professor Tonda, Afro dystopia is the concept of “Black continent”, which is more than Africa or the “African continent”. Afro-dystopia transcends geographical boundaries, permeating societal structures and individual psyches alike. It is a profound, yet often overlooked, aspect of our collective consciousness.
Professor Tonda’s expertise is underscored by his extensive publication record, which includes works such as “Afrodystipie: la vie dans le rêve d’autrui” [Karthala, 2021] and “The Modern Sovereign: The Body of Power in Central Africa (Congo, Gabon)” [Karthala 2005/ Seagull Books 2020].
Moderating the discussion was Emery Kalema, Assistant Professor of History at The Africa Institute (GSU), whose academic pedigree and research interests complemented the seminar’s thematic focus. With a Ph.D. in History from the University of the Witwatersrand and extensive experience as a Postdoctoral Fellow, Kalema brought a nuanced perspective to the dialogue.
The seminar was conducted primarily in French, and English translations were provided to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all attendees. This linguistic accommodation reflected The Africa Institute’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
The Africa Institute (GSU) hosted Joseph Tonda, a Professor of Sociology and Anthropology from Omar Bongo University in Libreville, Gabon, who shared his research titled “Sovereignty Out of Self in Afro-dystopia” as part of our Seminar Series on Wednesday, 17 April 2024. The virtual webinar enabled a conversation with Professor Tonda on the intricate concept of Afro-dystopia and its implications for contemporary discourse.
The Africa Institute (GSU) hosted Joseph Tonda, a Professor of Sociology and Anthropology from Omar Bongo University in Libreville, Gabon, who shared his research titled “Sovereignty Out of Self in Afro-dystopia” as part of our Seminar Series on Wednesday, 17 April 2024. The virtual webinar enabled a conversation with Professor Tonda on the intricate concept of Afro-dystopia and its implications for contemporary discourse.
In his presentation, Professor Tonda expounded upon the notion of Afro-dystopia, framing it as more than just the physical geography of Africa. Rather, he posited it as a psychological construct, an intangible yet undeniable reality shaping perceptions of the continent. Central to his argument was the idea of sovereignty, which, he contended, emanates not from conventional political structures but from the collective consciousness of those who inhabit this Afro-dystopian realm.
Drawing from empirical evidence gleaned from his fieldwork and theoretical insights, Professor Tonda navigated through the complexities of Afro-dystopia. He articulated how this concept transcends geographical boundaries, permeating societal structures and individual psyches alike.
According to Professor Tonda, Afro dystopia is the concept of “Black continent”, which is more than Africa or the “African continent”. Afro-dystopia transcends geographical boundaries, permeating societal structures and individual psyches alike. It is a profound, yet often overlooked, aspect of our collective consciousness.
Professor Tonda’s expertise is underscored by his extensive publication record, which includes works such as “Afrodystipie: la vie dans le rêve d’autrui” [Karthala, 2021] and “The Modern Sovereign: The Body of Power in Central Africa (Congo, Gabon)” [Karthala 2005/ Seagull Books 2020].
Moderating the discussion was Emery Kalema, Assistant Professor of History at The Africa Institute (GSU), whose academic pedigree and research interests complemented the seminar’s thematic focus. With a Ph.D. in History from the University of the Witwatersrand and extensive experience as a Postdoctoral Fellow, Kalema brought a nuanced perspective to the dialogue.
The seminar was conducted primarily in French, and English translations were provided to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all attendees. This linguistic accommodation reflected The Africa Institute’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
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