Reading Humanitarianism Critically

This chapter sets the tone of the volume’s challenge to the humanitarian imaginary by articulating why reversing the conventional narrative, of Africa as dependent upon external aid, is imperative. We ask what the impact on humanitarianism would be if the humanitarian industry were to take seriously Ngũgı̃’s argument that we need to understand Africa’s centuries-long role as “giver” to the west instead of “recipient” of charity from it. Using insights from Franz Fanon and African feminists as well as Ngũgı̃, we call for a postcolonial audit of historical encounters between Africa and the west, emphasizing the need to examine critically the practices and assumptions of humanitarians from the colonial era to the present. We outline how the various chapters in the volume contribute to the task of reframing, in order to transform and decolonize humanitarianism in ways that equalize power relationships, and center and celebrate African agency.