Senegal's Path to Unity: Non-Ethnic Nationalism and Rural-Urban Dynamics
Discover Senegal's path to unity through non-ethnic nationalism and its rural-urban dynamics. Explore how these factors have shaped the nation’s identity and political landscape."
Building a Unified Nation in Senegal
The task of unifying diverse ethnic groups in Senegal has been facilitated by:
- Long historical interactions between ethnic communities like the Wolof, Serer, and Tokolor.
- The unifying influence of Islam.
- The assimilationist influence of French culture.
Political Rivalries Post-War
In post-war Senegal, political conflicts revolved around town and countryside rivalries rather than ethnic divides.
Dominance of the SFIO
- In 1945, the Senegalese branch of the SFIO, led by Lamine Gueye, dominated politics. Gueye utilized his connections with French political structures and his advocacy for assimilation to secure support, particularly from the urban elites in Dakar and St. Louis.
- Gueye, a Wolof, advocated for assimilation into French political and legal systems.
- The 1946 French constitution enfranchised certain Senegalese groups, leading to SFIO’s initial success.
Rise of Leopold Sédar Senghor
- Senghor, a Serer intellectual, challenged Gueye’s leadership.
- In 1948, Senghor formed the Bloc Démocratique Sénégalais (BDS), promoting an African form of socialism and reducing French control.
- Senghor’s BDS gained significant support in rural areas, winning major elections in 1951 and 1956.
Challenges to Pan-African Ambitions
- Senghor’s efforts to unify French African territories under a pan-African party were thwarted by French political alliances, particularly the strategic alignment between the French government and Houphouët-Boigny’s RDA, which held significant influence across French West Africa.
- By 1956, BDS dominated Senegalese politics but failed to extend its non-ethnic nationalism beyond Senegal.
Nigeria's Struggle with Sub-Nationalisms: A Journey to Independence
Regional Rivalries and Ethnic Sub-Nationalism
From 1945 to 1960, Nigerian politics were marked by:
- Struggles for regional supremacy among the Hausa-Fulani (North), Yoruba (West), and Ibo (East).
- Regionally based political parties reflecting ethnic affiliations.
Emergence of Regional Parties
- The Northern People's Congress (NPC) led by Ahmadu Bello represented the Hausa-Fulani.
- The Action Group (AG) led by Obafemi Awolowo represented the Yoruba.
- The National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) led by Nnamdi Azikiwe represented the Ibo.
Impact of the Macpherson Constitution (1951)
- Established a federal system favoring the three major ethnic regions.
- Encouraged the rise of ethnic political parties.
- Diverted focus from national unity to regional autonomy.
Political Crises and Constitutional Revisions
- The 1953 crisis highlighted regional tensions, stemming from disagreements over self-government demands and the distribution of powers between northern and southern regions. These tensions led to violent clashes, such as the Kano riots, and ultimately necessitated constitutional revisions in 1954 to grant greater autonomy to regions.
- Greater regional autonomy was granted to keep the federation intact.
Path to Independence
- The NPC and NCNC coalition government enabled progress towards independence by bridging regional divides temporarily. This coalition focused on achieving a consensus on federal policies and ensuring that northern fears of southern dominance were assuaged through power-sharing arrangements.
- In 1959, Nigeria’s federal election reinforced ethnic divisions but facilitated the transition to independence in 1960.
Post-Independence Challenges
- Ethnic fears and regional rivalries persisted after independence, as evidenced by the creation of a Mid-West state to weaken the AG’s influence and the political marginalization of minority groups in regions dominated by larger ethnic groups.
- The creation of new states and political re-alignments highlighted ongoing regional tensions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Senegal and Nigeria navigated complex paths toward nationhood, shaped by their unique social, cultural, and political landscapes. Senegal's emphasis on non-ethnic nationalism, driven by historical interactions, Islamic influence, and French assimilation, fostered a relatively unified political environment despite urban-rural divides. Conversely, Nigeria's journey was characterized by competing sub-nationalisms and ethnic rivalries that defined its federal structure and political alliances. While Senegal achieved a cohesive political identity, Nigeria’s federal compromises underscored the challenges of uniting diverse ethnic regions. These contrasting experiences offer valuable insights into the broader dynamics of post-colonial African politics.
