Justice and Human Dignity in African Literature: A Study of Veronique Tadjo’s The Shadow of Imana

Abstract

Oral tradition, in the pre-colonial African society, occupied a significant position because it is the embodiments of the philosophy and wisdom of the people. Cautions and judgements were given using these principles as standpoints, and the socially accepted behaviours are equally fostered in them. In other words, they are laws which engender peaceful and harmonious co-existence of citizens. As a result of this, justice can be achieved, and human dignity preserved through the tenets of oral tradition. Particularly, this paper examines justice and human dignity in Veronique Tadjo’s The Shadow of Imana. With the use Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, the paper explores the writer’s presentation of Africans’ view of justice and human dignity and the effects of violation of human dignity on both the individual characters in the novel and the society. The paper also assesses the techniques used by the writer in presenting these African norms in the novel. It is discovered that the system of justice inherited from colonialism is questionable. There are false testimonies and false accusations in law courts coupled with delays in hearings as well as partiality in distribution of justice. This type of judicial system is, therefore, condemned, and a call for Gacaca, a traditional system of justice is made. The traditional form of justice, together with the appeasement of the dead, is presented as the only means of achieving justice. This paper, in essence, advocates for return to the traditional system of justice as this will help in ensuring justice and maintenance of human dignity which will eventually bring peace and development in the society.