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IFRA Seminar – Eastern Africa and the Mascarenes: Historical Relations and the Search for Cultural Roots

On 5th November, IFRA hosted the seminar “Eastern Africa and the Mascarenes: Historical Relations and the Search for Cultural Roots”, presented by Prof. Vijaya Teelock (Le Chantier, University of Mauritius) and discussed by Dr. Kiriama Herman (Kisii University). Held as part of the SLAFNET project (Slavery in Africa: a dialogue between Europe and Africa), this event marked the final session of a rich and stimulating week of discussions.

The talk revisited the historical connections between Eastern Africa and the Mascarene Islands, highlighting the specificities of slavery in Eastern Africa and the societies that emerged from it. Prof. Teelock explored how questions of heritage and identity remain deeply relevant today, particularly when thinking about the creole identities. The discussion emphasized that identity is not fixed but continuously evolving as a living process rooted in both historical experiences and contemporary redefinitions.

The conference offered a powerful conclusion to the week, reminding us that the legacies of slavery continue to shape reflections on belonging, culture, and shared history.


OpenEdition suggests that you cite this post as follows:
IFRA Nairobi (November 3, 2025). IFRA Seminar – Eastern Africa and the Mascarenes: Historical Relations and the Search for Cultural Roots. IFRA Nairobi. Retrieved February 16, 2026 from https://doi.org/10.58079/1535j


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