This week, our editors-at-large report on the intersection of literature and politics, from a pledge by leading others to boycott Israeli cultural institutions to a book launch by a prominent Kenyan political figure. From a historic call for solidarity with Palestine to an alleged abduction following a book launch, read on to find out more.
Carol Khoury, Editor-at-Large, reporting from Palestine
In a historic move, over 6,500 authors and literary professionals have pledged to boycott Israeli cultural institutions, citing their complicity in the oppression of Palestinians. This unprecedented commitment, initiated by more than 1,000 signatories, underscores a growing global response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The open letter articulates a collective moral stance: “We cannot in good conscience engage with Israeli institutions without interrogating their relationship to apartheid and displacement.”
Notable figures among the signatories include Nobel laureates Annie Ernaux and Viet Thanh Nguyen, alongside prominent authors such as Sally Rooney, Arundhati Roy, and Michael Rosen. The letter draws parallels to the cultural boycott against apartheid South Africa, emphasizing the role of culture in normalizing injustices. It states that Israeli cultural institutions have historically obscured the realities of Palestinian dispossession and oppression.
The authors express that working with these institutions would contribute to harm against Palestinians, urging fellow writers and industry professionals to join their cause. They call for a recognition of moral responsibility and a refusal to support entities that perpetuate systemic injustice. This movement represents one of the most significant cultural boycotts in recent history, reflecting a profound commitment from the literary community to advocate for Palestinian rights amidst escalating violence and humanitarian crises.
Wambua Muindi, Editor-at-Large, reporting from Kenya
On November 17, Martha Karua, described as the Iron Lady of Kenyan politics, published her memoir, Against the Tide. Karua’s illustrious career as a lawyer and politician is undoubtedly at the centre of any attempt to understand political womanhood in Kenya and Africa. This makes her memoir an invaluable and welcome addition to the archive of life stories of women who have been at the center of the post-independence public memory. Moreover, in the 2022 Kenyan general election, she was the deputy presidential running mate for Raila Odinga, now a candidate for the African Union Chairperson position, the pick for the Azimio La Umoja Kenya coalition, giving her story continued relevance. Karua, a former Justice minister, had Willy Mutunga, a former Chief Justice in Kenya, as the chief guest at her book launch at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi. The launch was a success, but Karua could not have anticipated the injustice that is now afflicting one of the attendees. Dr Kizza Bessige, an opposition politician in Uganda, was allegedly abducted from Nairobi and is being held in a military jail in Kampala.
In other news, the Kenyan writer Carey Baraka is a 2024 Morland Writing Scholar. This announcement of the winners was made on November 22. The other scholars include Algeria’s Faysal Bensallah, Zimabwe’s Yvette Ndlovu and Nigeria’s Frances Ogamba. Notably, Faysal Bensallah is the first Morland Scholar from Algeria. The Prize awards its winners with £18,000 each to enable them to take a year off and write a book. Baraka, who has written for Down River Road, The Republic, The Guardian, The New Yorker and The New York Times will write a non-fiction account of the Shakahola ‘cult killings’ in Kenya. Congratulations to Carey Baraka and all the 2024 Morland Scholars!
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