Library

As part of the ASCL African Philosophy Month, the African Library has renewed its web dossier on African Philosophy, showcasing the richness of traditions, thinkers, political voices, and artistic expressions in this field. Special attention is given to its relevance for conflict resolution, peace, and security in Africa, the subject of this year’s Stephen Ellis Annual Debate.

In April-May 2025 Gerard van de Bruinhorst visited the capitals of The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The trip resulted in the acquisition of more than 1000 physical books and contextual items in print and digital, both from the five visited countries and the wider West African region.

This week, we celebrate the Cameroonian historian and political theorist Achille Mbembe, who will be awarded the 2025 Spinozalens in The Hague on 24 November. Mbembe born in Otélé, Cameroon (1957), is well known for his writings on African history and politics, postcolonial studies and social science.