Decolonising Criminology: Africa’s Forgotten Contributions

Abstract

Criminology is often presented as a predominantly Western intellectual tradition, with limited acknowledgement of Africa’s contributions. This perspective overlooks the rich body of criminological ideas that developed within African societies prior to colonial rule. These ideas, rooted in culture, philosophy, and communal practices, shaped distinctive approaches to crime, punishment, and justice. Yet, many were dismissed or rebranded as “new” by Western scholarship, with Africans themselves sometimes complicit in this erasure. This paper examines the structures of crime and punishment in traditional African societies and considers how these practices were altered under colonial influence. It highlights African approaches such as reconciliation, restorative justice, community policing, and differentiated responsibility, demonstrating their continuing relevance. By re-evaluating Africa’s role in the development of criminological thought, the paper argues for a more inclusive and accurate understanding of criminology’s intellectual foundations.