Mahmood Mamdani, Father of NYC Mayor, Appointed Director of African Studies Institute

Professor Mahmood Mamdani, father of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has been appointed the new director of Columbia University's Institute for African Studies. The 80-year-old academic, who previously led the institute from 1999 to 2004, returns to the position after a period of medical leave since September 2025. Mamdani, who has extensive experience working in Uganda, is a renowned scholar known for his work on colonialism and identity politics.

His book, "Neither Settler nor Native," examines the establishment of Israel through the lens of colonial history and the formation of permanent minorities, arguing that the Zionist project mirrors Western state-building models. Mamdani openly describes Israel's state model as colonial and advocates for its "de-Zionization."

Following the October 7th attacks, Mamdani was among the signatories of a collective letter by Columbia University faculty. This letter characterized the Hamas attack as a "military action" and urged its interpretation within the broader historical context of Palestinian occupation.

Mamdani's appointment, given his critical stance on Middle East policy, has sparked discussion within the U.S. academic community.