Basil Davidson: A Tribute

Eritrean Center for Strategic Studies (ECSS) expresses sorrow over the passing of the legendary historian, writer and Africanist, Basil Davidson, who died at the age of 95. Basil Davidson was a particularly respected historian and through his numerous seminal books a great pioneer of the study of African history. He would also be remembered for his burning interest in helping Africans’ struggle for independence.

Eritrean Center for Strategic Studies (ECSS) expresses sorrow over the passing of the legendary historian, writer and Africanist, Basil Davidson, who died at the age of 95. Basil Davidson was a particularly respected historian and through his numerous seminal books a great pioneer of the study of African history. He would also be remembered for his burning interest in helping Africans’ struggle for independence.

He was a true friend of Eritrea and one who made our struggle for independence his signature cause and he contributed much. Davidson, an avant-garde historian and writer devoted much of his time-particularly, after his journey in 1988 into the field-in support of our legitimate quest for statehood. In the face of all the dangerous journeys he had to make to the field and the near impossible international fora he had to deal, his enthusiasm for Eritrea’s independence never seemed to flag.

Therefore, the ECSS along with his family and Africa has lost a great historian, an irreplaceable humanist, and a cherished friend, a man of considerable intelligence, passionate dedication, fierce integrity, and wry humor.

We grieve with you and send you our heartfelt sympathy and condolences.

His love for Eritrea was unconditional. So remains our love to him.

May his soul rest in peace!

Eritrean Center for Strategic Studies

Asmara

September 2010