Historian Achille Mbembe: Africa's 'rule of gerontocracy' is coming to an end
12 May 2026, 11:08 GMT
By François PICARD
Topic: Spotlight
Source URL: https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/spotlight/20260512-rule-of-gerontocracy-has-ended-africa-will-no-longer-be-lorded-over-by-moral-rule-of-old-men
On the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, François Picard is pleased to welcome celebrated historian and political theorist Achille Mbembe. He offers deep insight into a continent in the midst of profound psychological, sociopolitical and economic transformation. Author of "The Earthly Community" and one of Africa's leading voices on post-colonial sovereignty, Mbembe argues that while institutional change is slow-moving, a seismic change is underway: "What has ended is the rule of gerontocracy. It has ended in the minds of the people. That is what matters."