Decolonizing perceptions about Africa
A UN resolution to redraw the global map to project the African continent more accurately, national initiatives to decolonize schools and a campaign to present positive developments are changing the way Africa is seen.
The United Nations resolution to promote more accurate map projections was a significant triumph for African nations. The Correct the Map campaign, spearheaded by Togo, garnered support from 164 member states and the African Union. Robert Dussey, Togo's foreign minister, expressed pride in the campaign's success. Dussey emphasized that the resolution aimed to correct the historical, geographical, and economic inaccuracies perpetuated by the outdated Mercator projection.
The resolution also sought to challenge and reshape perceptions of African power and identity. The United States was the lone UN member state to oppose the resolution, reflecting the ongoing global discourse on decolonizing knowledge. African countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have been actively working to decolonize their education systems by focusing on African history and rejecting French influence.
This shift towards African-centric narratives in education is seen as a crucial step towards fostering patriotism and intellectual independence. Organizations like Africa No Filter are also playing a vital role in challenging harmful stereotypes about Africa and promoting a more positive image of the continent. By focusing on success stories and achievements, they aim to shift the narrative away from crisis reporting and empower Africans to shape their own destinies.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
