Wole Soyinka: Slavery Still Thrives in Africa in Modern Forms

Renowned Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has asserted that slavery is not yet dead, but continues to thrive in modern forms across Africa.

He made this statement over the weekend at an event organized by Providus Bank in Lagos to commemorate World Poetry Day. The programme was curated by Jahman Anikulapo, former Sunday Editor of The Guardian and a key figure in the Culture Advocates Caucus.

World Poetry Day: A Reflection on Dispersal and Slavery

Each year, UNESCO’s World Poetry Day celebrates poetry’s ability to express the depths of human creativity. This year’s theme, “Sand Dune and Ocean Bed: The Template of Dispersal,” explored themes of migration, history, and cultural shifts.

Speaking at the event, Soyinka highlighted the tragic yet significant role of Cuba in the history of African slavery.

“Cuba is here both as a reminder and a tragic instance of our history on the African continent,” he said. “But it also serves as a spur to remind us that the task is not yet over. Slavery, in different forms, is still very much with us—not only externally but within Africa itself.”

Slavery, Migration, and Africa’s Painful History

Soyinka reflected on the different forms of migration, emphasizing the violent dispersal of Africans through slavery.

“Migration takes several forms—there’s voluntary migration, and then there’s violent migration, where people have no control over their fate. The global community now recognizes the immense harm that was done to Africa, which was a major resource hub for slavery,” he explained.

He further stressed Africa’s profound contributions to European culture and civilization, even though these contributions are often overlooked.

“European civilization owes far more to Africa than is generally acknowledged. Unfortunately, the cultural exchanges that shaped both continents came at the cost of immense suffering. Yet, they also stand as a testament to the resilience of humanity.”

In his closing remarks, Soyinka urged a deeper reflection on the roots of dispersal and forced migration.

“When we discuss dispersal—whether through slavery or migration—we must ask not just where it begins, but how it begins,” he said.