Silences in Ngo Discourse: The Role and Future of Ngos in Africa

Issa G. Shivji is one of Africa's most radical and original thinkers. He has written several books, including the seminal Concept of Human Rights in Africa (1989), and, more recently, Let the People Speak: Tanzania down the road to neoliberalism (2006). In two extensive essays, the distinguished scholar presents perspectives on the historical, political and philosophical contexts that govern the evolution and place of NGOs in Africa today. He argues the role of NGOs in Africa cannot be understood without clear characterisation of the current historical moment: that to 'make poverty history' we must first 'understand the history of poverty' and 'make imperialism history'. Shivji argues that despite some good intentions, NGOs have uncritically situated themselves within neoliberal and donor-driven discourses.