Sociological reading of the impact of nepotistic tribalism on political and socio-economic sustainable development in Africa

Abstract

This study examines the portrayal of the manifestation and impact of nepotistic tribalism on political and socio-economic sustainable development in Africa. It is argued that tribal affiliation is an enriching cultural identity when it does not infringe on rights and liberties. However, colonial powers historically exploited tribal divisions to maintain control, resulting in weakened institutions in post-independent African nations. This exploitation fostered favouritism, corruption, and lack of accountability. In contexts of scarce resources, tribalism drives nepotistic solidarity through political allegiances based on tribal identities. The resulting divisive politics undermine equal access limited opportunities. Through a sociological reading of social structures and power, aligned with postcolonial theory, anthropological theories of identity and culture, political economy and development theories, and critical discourse analysis, the study analyses the complex portrayal of tribalism in Francophone African narratives. It concludes that nepotistic tribalism is a major hindrance to the sustainable development and requires a reimagining.