SAMIR AMIN (1931-2018): A TITAN HAS GONE HOME TO REST

The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) wishes officially to inform members of the African intellectual community of the passing on of Professor Samir Amin on Sunday, 12th August 2018. For CODESRIA, this marks nothing less than the end of an era in the history of African social research given the many pioneering roles the late Professor Amin played as a scholar, teacher, mentor, friend, and revolutionary. A model for three generations of African and, indeed, radical scholars globally, Professor Amin was that giant Baobab tree whose grandeur of intellect and spirit made him a worthy role model.

We join Professor Samir Amin’s family and friends in the sadness that defines this moment but also rejoice in the fact that, as a community, were lucky to have lived in his company, to have learned from his fountain of knowledge and to have shared in the passion of his convictions. In the coming days, the Council will issue a comprehensive tribute to Prof. Amin and also share plans to celebrate his life, a cere-bration, to borrow Ayi Kwei Armah’s word, that will culminate in the 15th General Assembly in December 2018. This will be the first General Assembly that Samir Amin will not be physically present and it is incumbent upon the community to let his revolutionary spirit reign.

Meantime, we also wish to invite members of the community who have tributes to Prof. Amin to share them with us through [email protected].

Godwin MURUNGA
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY.