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Recent articles by Jonathan
Experiencias del Anarquismo Organizado en Sudafrica 0 comments África do Sul 2010: uma Perspectiva Libertária 0 comments África do Sul 2010: uma Perspectiva Libertária 0 comments Recent Articles about International Anarchist movementAnarchists in Rojava: Revolution is a struggle in itself Oct 04 23 An Attempted Marxist-Anarchist Dialogue Oct 03 23 A Guide to Anarcho-Syndicalism and Libertarian Socialism Aug 03 23 Towards an anarcho-syndicalist strategy for Africa
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Friday September 21, 2007 20:02 by Jonathan - ZACF
This article looks at the possibilities and opportunities for spreading anarchist ideas in Africa through the intervention of anarchists and anarcho-syndicalists from abroad, by building pragmatic solidarity, and supporting African trade unions and other movements of the workers and poor. Between 28th April and 1st of May 2007 about 250 militants from five different continents came together in Paris, France for the CNT-F organised International Syndicalist Conference i07, a follow-up to the industrial Syndicalist Conferences held in San Francisco, USA, in 1999, called i99, and that held in Essen, Germany in 2002, called i02. |
HauptseiteSupport Sudanese anarchists in exile Joint Statement of European Anarchist Organizations International anarchist call for solidarity: Earthquake in Turkey, Syria and Kurdistan Elements of Anarchist Theory and Strategy 19 de Julio: Cuando el pueblo se levanta, escribe la historia International anarchist solidarity against Turkish state repression Declaración Anarquista Internacional por el Primero de Mayo, 2022 Le vieux monde opprime les femmes et les minorités de genre. Leur force le détruira ! Against Militarism and War: For self-organised struggle and social revolution Declaração anarquista internacional sobre a pandemia da Covid-19 Anarchist Theory and History in Global Perspective Capitalism, Anti-Capitalism and Popular Organisation [Booklet] Reflexiones sobre la situación de Afganistán South Africa: Historic rupture or warring brothers again? Death or Renewal: Is the Climate Crisis the Final Crisis? Gleichheit und Freiheit stehen nicht zur Debatte! Contre la guerre au Kurdistan irakien, contre la traîtrise du PDK Meurtre de Clément Méric : l’enjeu politique du procès en appel International | Anarchist movement | en Sat 20 Apr, 01:41 Solidarity with Alfredo Cospito From Rojava 23:06 Mon 27 Mar 24 comments Solidarity statement with the anarchist prisoner Alfredo Cospito International Anarchist Statement for the First of May, 2022 22:39 Tue 03 May 15 comments 1st of May, 1886! 136 years ago today, the American working class created a priceless experience for the upcoming struggles of the working classes of the whole world by saying “this fight is our last fight!”. It remains a victory till our time. The demand of “8 hours for work, 8 hours for sleep, 8 hours for whatever we want” to replace the 16 hours of work and the assaults of capitalism which targeted the lives of the working classes then in the 19th century turned into a general strike in America. General strike has been one of the most significant weapons of the anarchist action as an earning to the history of the class struggle. For anarchists, the struggle for 8 hours has never been seen as a simple request for reform. Anarchists fought to replace it with a social revolution, with the claim that “Regardless of our working time, whether it be 2 hours or 8 hours, it is slavery if we work for bosses”. [Castellano] 65 years of the FAU 17:43 Fri 29 Oct 0 comments We recognise the FAU's contributions to the libertarian movement and the sacrifice of comrades past and present. We send our congratulations on the 65th anniversary of the FAU. In solidarity with the struggle for freedom and socialism, the undersigned Anarchist-Communist groups of Oceania. Recent publications and new editions from Zabalaza Books 00:29 Sat 20 Jun 0 comments Over the past 18 months Zabalaza Books has published over two dozen new publications or new editions of previous publications, all of which can be read online or downloaded in PDF format from the Zabalaza Books website. Read the full list of titles and overviews of their contents, with links to the full texts, below. Launch statement of the Latin American Anarchist Coordination (CALA) 02:28 Tue 17 Dec 0 comments After a series of meetings and instances, anarchist political organizations in Latin America have decided to relaunch the Latin American Anarchist Coordination (CALA), within the framework of this complex political and social context that our continent is living through. We, anarchists and libertarian communists in the class struggle in capitalist Europe 05:38 Mon 11 Dec 1 comments The European organizations which are part of the Anarkismo network met on the 18th and 19th of November in Genoa. We discussed and exchanged, thought and reflected together, attempting as a network to plan a strategy for forward movement.
Delegations from Wales, France, Italy, Switzerland and Ireland - with a warm solidarity statement from our Catalan comrades of Embat - expressed the need to clarify and deepen our common work. Considerations of the Anarkismo network about the accusations against Michael Schmidt 19:31 Sat 30 Jan 23 comments The Anarkismo network has already published a statement that it would wait until all parts of the accusations by Reid Ross and Stephens were published, as well as the answers of M. Schmidt, before making any judgements on the case. Now that this has been forthcoming, as well as two more responses by Reid Ross, we are issuing a second statement to make public our intentions regarding the present situation. Statement For Rojava 16:44 Sun 30 Aug 0 comments This is a solidarity Statement For Rojava from an old group that is reviving itself somewhat: Neither East Nor West-NYC Anarkismo message of support to 1st Congress of Columna Libertaria Joaquín Penina 18:47 Wed 22 Apr 0 comments We are very pleased to be able to congratulate you on the realisation of your First Congress as a specific anarchist political organisation. In light of the disbanding of the Federación Anarco-Comunista Argentina we believe that this is a very important step both for our shared especifista tendency as well as for the development of anarchism in general, both in Argentina and the region. Anarchist Women: "Long Live Freedom, Long Live Anarchism!" 01:08 Thu 01 Jan 0 comments Anarchist Women attending to the Young Women Conference, in a small village Amara which is in Urfa (Kurdistan), made a speech on the resistance in Kobane, the effect of women on this resistance and women's freedom struggle. more >>Thoughts on Revolution Mar 22 11 comments In response to a paper by the anarchist Ron Tabor in which he re-thinks revolutionary politics. Bakunin, Malatesta and the Platform Debate Jun 01 15 comments The present text —the core of which was taken from the introduction that we wrote for the French edition of Social Anarchism and Organization, by the Anarchist Federation of Rio de Janeiro (FARJ)[1]— aims to discuss the question of the specific anarchist political organization, based on the contributions of Mikhail Bakunin, Errico Malatesta and the Organizational Platform for a General Union of Anarchists, written by militants organized around the magazine Dielo Trudá, among whom were Nestor Makhno and Piotr Archinov. We are going to take up the contributions of Bakunin and Malatesta to establish a dialogue between them and the Platform, trace the similarities and differences between the proposals of anarchists who advocate an organizational dualism and those of the Bolsheviks, and we will see the proximity of Malatesta with the Synthesis, as well as the historical impact of the Platform, which will make it possible to elucidate the positions that have been disseminated about this debate. Organizational Issues Within Anarchism May 03 5 comments The present text aims to discuss, from a theoretical-historical perspective, some organizational issues related to anarchism. It responds to the assertion, constantly repeated, that anarchist ideology or doctrine is essentially spontaneous and contrary to organization. Returning to the debate among anarchists about organization, this article maintains that there are three fundamental positions on the matter: those who are against organization and / or defend informal formations in small groups (anti-organizationism); supporters of organization only at the mass level (syndicalism and communitarianism), and those who point out the need for organization on two levels, the political-ideological and the mass (organizational dualism). This text delves into the positions of the third current, bringing theoretical elements from Mikhail Bakunin and then presenting a historical case in which the anarchists held, in theory and in practice, that position: the activity of the Federation of Anarchist Communists of Bulgaria (FAKB) between the twenties and forties of the twentieth century. [Português] [Castellano] Create a Strong People Apr 25 3 comments To begin the discussion on popular power it is important to return to the idea of a strategy of social transformation, since our political practice, as anarchists, is what could point toward this transformation. Anarchism, Power, Class and Social Change Feb 17 0 comments The theoretical elements and historical experiences discussed undergird the theses developed throughout this article. Anarchists have a conception of power and a general project around it that forms their conception of class, understood in relation to a certain type of power (domination), and constitutes the foundation of their notion of social change, which is characterized by: their belief in the capacity for action of the subjects that are part of the distinct oppressed classes, their implication in the transformation of that capacity into social force, their commitment to permanent growth of this force, and their defense of a revolutionary process that allows for overcoming enemy forces and replacing the power of domination over society by a self-managing power. more >>International Anarchist Statement for the First of May, 2022 May 03 15 comments 1st of May, 1886! 136 years ago today, the American working class created a priceless experience for the upcoming struggles of the working classes of the whole world by saying “this fight is our last fight!”. It remains a victory till our time. The demand of “8 hours for work, 8 hours for sleep, 8 hours for whatever we want” to replace the 16 hours of work and the assaults of capitalism which targeted the lives of the working classes then in the 19th century turned into a general strike in America. General strike has been one of the most significant weapons of the anarchist action as an earning to the history of the class struggle. For anarchists, the struggle for 8 hours has never been seen as a simple request for reform. Anarchists fought to replace it with a social revolution, with the claim that “Regardless of our working time, whether it be 2 hours or 8 hours, it is slavery if we work for bosses”. [Castellano] 65 years of the FAU Oct 29 0 comments We recognise the FAU's contributions to the libertarian movement and the sacrifice of comrades past and present. We send our congratulations on the 65th anniversary of the FAU. In solidarity with the struggle for freedom and socialism, the undersigned Anarchist-Communist groups of Oceania. Recent publications and new editions from Zabalaza Books Jun 20 0 comments Over the past 18 months Zabalaza Books has published over two dozen new publications or new editions of previous publications, all of which can be read online or downloaded in PDF format from the Zabalaza Books website. Read the full list of titles and overviews of their contents, with links to the full texts, below. Launch statement of the Latin American Anarchist Coordination (CALA) Dec 17 CALA 0 comments After a series of meetings and instances, anarchist political organizations in Latin America have decided to relaunch the Latin American Anarchist Coordination (CALA), within the framework of this complex political and social context that our continent is living through. We, anarchists and libertarian communists in the class struggle in capitalist Europe Dec 11 AL/FdCA-AL-CGA-LSF-OSL-WSM 1 comments The European organizations which are part of the Anarkismo network met on the 18th and 19th of November in Genoa. We discussed and exchanged, thought and reflected together, attempting as a network to plan a strategy for forward movement.
Delegations from Wales, France, Italy, Switzerland and Ireland - with a warm solidarity statement from our Catalan comrades of Embat - expressed the need to clarify and deepen our common work. |
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Spring zu Komment: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Extremely interesting report. One of the most exciting things of my life has been to see anarchist ideas spread in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. A comment and a question:
(1) I would not *necessarily* be concerned whether activists regard themselves as Marxists. It all depends on what they mean by that. There is a great deal of overlap between class struggle anarchism and a libertarian and humanistic Marxism. Traditionally Marxist movements have either been revolutionary statists but overtly anti-working class, or (like the SACP) working class-based but overtly reformist and in favor of traditional capitalism. If these unionists are both working class-based and revolutionary, then we have a lot in common.
(2) It is not clear from the report where these unionists stand on a dual orientation (neo-platformism/especifismo). Do they see themselves as just building militant unions or are they (also) for building autonomous organizations of revolutionaries? I imagine there is a range of opinions.
I agree that it is not so important what these groups/activists call themselves, if anything at all, but what they do and how. Unfortunately though I don’t know much about the details of their activites and practices on the ground, and was relying on the CNT-F for descriptions. It will be interesting to see how things develop, but I think it very encouraging that they have established these contacts.
As far as I know these unions are at the moment new to the ideas of anarcho-syndicalism, and I am not sure how many self-defined anarchists there are, if any. I highly doubt, also because the CNT is probably their main point of contact with anarchist ideas, that they are as yet looking towards building any anarchist specific organisations. I think that the CNT is doing great work in getting anarcho-syndicalist ideas across, but it would also be important I think for Alternative Libertaire, for example as we are speaking about Francophone Africa, to try and establish contacts with union militants who show an interest in anarchism, explain the necessity of anarchist specific organisations and encourage the building of such. Again it remains to be seen how things develop but, of course, any platformist/ especifista organisations that are in a position to do so should really try to demonstrate the necessity of the anarchist specific organisation, and where possible facilitate the building of these.
Dear ZACF comrades,
Very informative and observation seem right on.
I hope to further comment on your piece in the next few days and some of the specifics contained therein.
Quickly...
As I am only writing in an individual capacity, I can say that the WSA has taken an active role in trying to build international links for decades, particularly in the "third world". In Africa our efforts were aimed at the then emerging independent black and bi-racial S. African unions. Contact in Nigeria further allowed us to pursue relations there.
We very active role in helping to establish anarchist links with the Awareness League.
Our linkage and campaigning was mainly done in the pre-internet days. Those we were in contact with were working/living under some harsh conditions---apathied and military dictatorship.
For the moment let me say that the possibilies of making contact and gauging on-the-ground situations are much more advanced and possible than they were in the 1980s and 1990s. As our ability then was much more advanced than in previous decades.
That said most technologies (computers/internet) are probably still limited to "head offices" and the problems with rank-&-file contact may still be hampered somewhat.
I want to close this brief email with the following comment: expectations. Everyone has a certain expectation. We found that many of our southern comrades believed that the northern movement is flush with tremendous resources and numbers. Some in the north expect that our southern comrades to be more "advanced" in the nuances and ideology of anarcho-syndicalism and anarchist ideas. These expectations can lead to a certain "let down" effect on both accounts. Finding a way to limit this effect is important.
More to follow.
Solidarity!
The issue of expectations, raising them - even unintentionally - and letting people down is certainly an important one. Even in our own experience some contacts on the continent have been under the false impression that, maybe because we are from the industrial capital of the continent, we are in a position to provide all kinds of material assistance which are, actually, beyond our capacity.
We should probably all be careful in our international relations, and always be clear, open and honest about what we can and what we can't (or will and won't) do; so as to try and avoid situations where potential allies become frustrated with us either because of a misunderstanding of what external comrades can offer in terms of material and practical support, or owing to unfair and unrealistic expectations.
On this issue, it is also important that we try to nurture a proper understanding of our aims and ideas; helping non-anarchist contacts to understand that what we are trying to do takes time, that the idea is paramount, and that no amount of material assistance is going to be of lasting benefit if the ideas are lacking.
Thanks for raising a very important point Mitch, looking forward to further comments.
Jonathan writes:
"On this issue, it is also important that we try to nurture a proper understanding of our aims and ideas; helping non-anarchist contacts to understand that what we are trying to do takes time, that the idea is paramount, and that no amount of material assistance is going to be of lasting benefit if the ideas are lacking."
I think many comrades from "advanced" and longstanding organizations and traditions oft times think anarchist babies fall out of the womb. I think the only places where I've actually met multi-generations of anarchists was in France and Spain. Envy, envy.
I remember a criticism some years ago of the then developing Awareness League by a European anarchist comrade. The criticism was aimed at the AL's rather neutral position concenring the 1993 elections. While the critism was ideogoically correct, I felt, it was inappropriate to do so publically (in a national newspaper) and without making any effort to understand the AL, the Nigerian context and the growing pains of an organization that had no real and meaningful experiance with anarchism, anarcho-syndicalism ---- or anarchists.
Our comrades will make mistakes, for sure. Our comrades need to learn the basics and how to apply them constructively. This doesn't fall from thin air and, I strongly believe, we need to be patient and help the process along. in as comradely a manner possible.
Sure there will be opportunists along the way. We must be aware of this. But for those who are sincere in their desire to work with and build their concsious understanding of anarchism and anarcho-syndicalism, we should help the best we can. And we must be patient and take a long term view.
Gotta run.
This may be of interest:
Thanks for the interesting piece blackstone.
Just curious why you chose Senegal? Understanding that the conditions are terrible, is there a movement from below now underway in Senegal? A movement in the health sector advocating such a self-managed system?
Thanks for the reply.
Thanks for the interesting piece blackstone.
Just curious why you chose Senegal? Understanding that the conditions are terrible, is there a movement from below now underway in Senegal? A movement in the health sector advocating such a self-managed system?
Thanks for the reply.
As noted in the article, Senegal is situated in West Africa and similar to most Sub-Saharan countries in Africa, Senegal suffers from numerous health problems typically associated with severe poverty.
The article is a draft, one of a series of papers focusing on how libertarian syndicalism can be beneficial to Africa. This paper, i wanted to focus on the Health industry and a potential creation of a Health/Sanitation Council in African state suffering numerous health problems, in this case Senegal.
I wanted to list the health concerns of Senegal, what libertarian socialism entails, what institutions and values can be created and how and in what way this would benefit Senegal and a potential strategy to achieve it.