APQ - APPON PHILOSOPHICAL QUARTERLY

This paper critically appraises the path of violence as an option to political revolution in Frantz Fanon’s socio-political philosophy. In the history of political philosophy, violent political struggles have often been the last option in the struggle for freedom. Violent revolutionary approach does not always ensure peaceful political transition. When and how then, does violence become a desirable option if an incarcerating colonial or hegemonic structure forecloses peaceful options in the attainment of political freedom? That was the scenario in Frantz Fanon’s embattled Algeria when the living were near dead under the choking and alienating social and economic policies the colonizers put in place. This structure was responsible for the racial and tribal violence the people suffered and the economic incarceration they suffered. However, where other options remain open they must be explored. Rather than subscribe to Fanon’s belief in revolution as only option to national liberation, the work recommends that restructuring of socio-political systems, and development of humans and infrastructure, among others, remain major panaceas. The method adopted in the research work is expository and analytical with the aid of textbooks, articles and internet sources. The work opened up some other options to decolonization rather than violence. Then again, it will serve to deter some Nigerian youths who may likely do so from perceiving political violence as the most veritable option to end corruption, hardship, demagoguery and the like in Nigeria. In the same vein, it will serve as a warning to freedom fighters never to follow Fanon`s principle of violent revolution. Historically, this has proved counter-productive in many respects. Besides, the non-violent approach has proven to be quite successful in bringing about desired political change.

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