Carrying the Sun on Our Backs: unfolding German colonialism in Namibia from Caprivi to Kasikili (review)

Abstract

by the authors’ comparative referencing of other African coups and relevant theories by Chazan and others. Due to Hughes and Perfect’s rich knowledge and well-rounded perspective, the analysis of Jawara’s legacy is likely to remain an authoritative statement on that subject. Hughes and Perfect provide a seminal work that will become a key reference in historiography of The Gambia. The work is not a comprehensive examination of that country; the focus remains firmly centred on the realm of top-down state governance and electoral politics. Nonetheless, the authors’ insight and attention to detail make the work of potential interest for most Gambianists and anyone desiring a broad perspective on the machinations of the urban and political elites following the establishment of Bathurst. The book will thus be an excellent background source for analyzing recent, contemporary and future developments in ‘the Smiling Coast of West Africa’. On their first page the authors repeat the common characterization of The Gambia as ‘unusually democratic’ and stable. It would be worthwhile to investigate the exact significance of that label. While this author must admit to having used a similar description of the country as relatively peaceful, such nebulous assertions beg for further examination of the standard of measurement. Although there have been some encouraging developments, including unprecedented progress on the pressing issue of women’s status and welfare, Gambian electoral politics and governance have become notably contentious in the early twenty-first century. There appears to be a worrying trend towards heightening tensions and overt manifestations of authoritarianism and violence. It remains to be seen whether the country will avoid widespread violent conflict of the type that has engulfed many of the countries in the sub-region. Regardless of what occurs, A Political History will be a vital resource for situating future developments in their historical context.