Harris Memel-Fotê, 1930 – 2008

Harris Memel-Fotê, 1930 – 2008

The Council for the development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) regrets to announce, yet again, the death of one of its illustrious members. Harris Memel-Fotê passed away inAbidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, on 11 May 2008, having lost his battle against a prolonged illness that put him in a wheelchair for some time. He was 78 years old.

Born in Cote d’Ivoire, Memel-Fotê was a panafricanist who paid a high personal price for his commitment to the independence of all Africans. Active in the FEANF (Federation of Students from Francophone Black Africa) movement, he gave up his scholarship from the then French colonial rulers to join Sekou Toure in newly independent Guinea in 1958. He served at successive times as high school teacher in Conakry and Abidjan, and a university professor at the University of Abidjanand the Ecole des hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS, Paris, France).

Renowned sociologist, a member of the Universal Academy of Culture, Harris Memel-Fotê had a rich academic career in France and in Cote d’Ivoire. He was the co-founder of the Institut d’ethno-sociologie in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, and its deputy-director from 1973 to 1976. Harris Memel-Fotê was of the pioneer generation that founded CODESRIA as a contribution to the panafrican ideal. He was a member of the CODESRIA Executive Committee from 1979 to 1981 and President of the Council’s Scientific Committee from 1992 to 1995. He was very widely published. Harris Memel-Fotê is survived by his wife and six children.

Members of CODESRIA interested in sending messages of support and solidarity to Memel-Fotê’s family are invited to do so by e-mail to: [email][email protected] and the Council will arrange to have their messages delivered.

Adebayo Olukoshi