The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885: A watershed moment in African history

Imagine a map of Africa, once a mosaic of thriving kingdoms, empires, and tribes, each with its own distinct culture, language, and history.

Then, in a span of mere months, European powers gathered in Berlin and redrew the map, slicing through ancient territories and imposing artificial borders that would forever change the course of African history.

This was the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, a watershed moment that formalized the Scramble for Africa and set the stage for centuries of exploitation, marginalization, and struggle.

The conference was a masterclass in geopolitical maneuvering, with European powers jockeying for position and influence on the continent. Otto von Bismarck, the German chancellor, hosted the event, bringing together representatives from 14 European nations to regulate the colonization of Africa.

However, the gathering was notably absent of African voices, a glaring omission that would have far-reaching consequences.

The outcomes of the conference were far-reaching. European powers divided Africa into spheres of influence, with little regard for the existing ethnic, linguistic, and cultural boundaries.

This led to the fragmentation of Africa into 54 countries, each with its own distinct identity, but also with borders that were often arbitrary and imposed. The conference also paved the way for the exploitation of Africa’s resources, as European powers scrambled to claim control over the continent’s riches, including gold, diamonds, and other precious commodities.

The legacy of the Berlin Conference continues to shape Africa’s destiny today.

The artificial borders imposed on the continent have contributed to many of the conflicts, tensions, and challenges that Africa faces.

The exploitation of Africa’s resources has also had a lasting impact, with many countries still struggling to develop their economies and improve the lives of their citizens.

As Edward Said argued in his seminal work “Orientalism,” Western representations of the “Orient” are often rooted in stereotypes, biases, and power dynamics that justify domination and exploitation.

Similarly, Africa has been subject to Orientalist representations that portray it as primitive, uncivilized, and inferior. These representations have been used to justify exploitation, marginalization, and paternalistic attitudes towards Africa.

In reality, pre-colonial Africa was a vibrant and diverse continent, with empires, kingdoms, and tribes that flowed naturally based on culture, language, history, and geography.

The Kingdom of Ghana, for example, was a powerful empire that flourished in the 4th century, while the Kingdom of Mali was renowned for its rich cultural heritage and impressive architectural achievements.

The Berlin Conference disrupted this natural evolution, imposing external structures and systems that undermined African autonomy and self-determination.

Just imagine an Africa where Wakanda is not a fiction but reality– where ancient wisdom and modern innovation blend seamlessly, where technological advancements are harnessed to uplift communities, and where African cultures and traditions are celebrated and revered.

This is the Africa that could have been, if not for the Berlin Conference and the subsequent colonization of the continent.

Today, as we reflect on the legacy of the Berlin Conference, it’s essential to recognize the agency and resilience of African people, who have always had the capacity to shape their own futures.

From the ancient kingdoms of Egypt and Nubia to the modern-day nations of Africa, the continent has a rich and complex history that defies simplistic stereotypes and narratives.

As we look to the future, it’s crucial to acknowledge the historical injustices that have shaped Africa’s destiny and to work towards a more equitable and just world. By recognizing the agency and resilience of African people, we can begin to build a more nuanced understanding of the continent’s history and its place in the world.

The Berlin Conference may have been a pivotal moment in African history, but it’s also a reminder of the continent’s enduring spirit and its determination to shape its own future. It is time we African people begin to go back home and imbibe our history– to reclaim our narratives, rediscover our cultures, and rebuild our communities. By doing so, we can forge a brighter future, one that is rooted in our own values, traditions, and aspirations.

Writer’s email: Gilbertattipoe90@gmail.com