Within IDPS, Serigne Khassime Coulbary analyzed the legal structure of the French colonial empire in West Africa.
Serigne Khassime Coulbary, chercheur·e au sein de IDPS (Université Sorbonne Paris Nord).
Thèse soutenue en 2023 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Érasme (Villetaneuse, Seine-Saint-Denis).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
The thesis of Serigne Khassime Coulbary highlights the legal mechanisms that allowed the French colonial empire to establish and structure itself in West Africa. By examining colonial decrees, judicial rulings, and political speeches of the time, the author demonstrates how law was used as a tool of domination. This research raises fundamental questions about the legitimacy of colonial laws and their impact on indigenous societies, particularly in a context where notions of justice and equality were often trampled in favor of a racial and economic hierarchy.
The results of this study reveal that colonial decrees had profound consequences on local populations. For example, the expropriation of agricultural land not only affected farmers but also altered the social and economic structures of communities. Lands, which were often considered common goods, were privatized for the benefit of European settlers, leading to a loss of identity and culture for many communities. The creation of mutual aid societies, although presented as an advancement, often served to reinforce colonial control rather than improve the living conditions of the indigenous people. These societies, meant to offer social protection, were in reality instruments of control that further subjugated local populations to colonial authority.
The thesis calls for a legal and historical decolonization, advocating for the recognition of the rights of indigenous populations in contemporary legislation. This approach is crucial for restoring social and economic justice in post-colonial African countries. Indeed, the reevaluation of colonial policies could pave the way for significant reforms that take into account the realities and rights of local populations. For example, the restitution of land to indigenous communities could not only rectify historical injustices but also promote sustainable development based on traditional knowledge.
The implications of this research go beyond historical analysis. They touch on contemporary issues related to governance, social justice, and human rights. By integrating these perspectives into current public policies, it is possible to build a more equitable and inclusive future for African societies. Contemporary social movements, which advocate for land rights and the recognition of local cultures, find in this thesis solid arguments for their struggles.
In summary, this thesis is not limited to an examination of the past but also proposes avenues for a future where the rights of indigenous populations are fully recognized and respected. Taking into account the lessons of the past is essential to avoid repeating historical mistakes. West African countries, in particular, must engage in a process of reconciliation with their colonial history, incorporating the voices and perspectives of marginalized populations.
Thus, Serigne Khassime Coulbary's thesis opens a necessary debate on how colonial legacies continue to influence current legal and social structures. It invites deep reflection on how African states can reclaim their history and build legal systems that are truly representative of the diversity and aspirations of their populations. Ultimately, it is about building a future where social justice and human rights are not mere ideals, but tangible realities for all.
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Sources et accès
Serigne Khassime Coulbary. La structure juridique de l'empire colonial français sous la IIIe République : le cas de l'Afrique occidentale française.. Droit. Université Paris-Nord - Paris XIII, 2023. Français. ⟨NNT : 2023PA131086⟩. ⟨tel-05057729⟩