How Europe carved up Africa at the Berlin Conference 140 years ago

Understanding the Scramble for Africa: A Historical Overview

This month marks a somber milestone: 140 years since the so-called "Scramble for Africa," a period when Western powers rudely sidelined African voices and divided the continent among themselves. Al Jazeera’s Shola Lawal sheds light on how this infamous chapter in history unfolded and how its ripple effects continue to shape the continent today. The Scramble for Africa was not just a random event but a calculated move by European powers to exert control over the continent’s vast resources and strategic territories. It was a time when Africa’s fate was decided in faraway European capitals, with little regard for the wishes or well-being of its people.

The Roots of the Scramble for Africa: Why Europe Wanted In

So, why did Europe suddenly develop such an intense interest in Africa in the late 19th century? The answer lies in a mix of economics, politics, and social dynamics. By the 1800s, European nations were in the throes of the Industrial Revolution, which created a voracious demand for raw materials like cotton, rubber, and minerals. Africa, with its untapped resources, became the perfect hunting ground. At the same time, European powers were locked in a fierce competition for global dominance, and controlling Africa was seen as a way to expand empires and gain an edge over rivals. The rise of nationalism and the need for new markets also played a role. Europe had colonies in the Americas and Asia, but Africa was the last major region left to conquer, and it seemed like the final piece in the puzzle of global supremacy.

The Berlin Conference: How Africa Was Carved Up

The Scramble for Africa reached its peak in 1884-1885 with the Berlin Conference, a meeting of European powers that effectively divided the continent like a pie. Attendees included Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and others. The conference was framed as a civilized affair, with discussions about ending the slave trade and promoting Christian missionary work. But the real agenda was far more sinister: it was about putting a legal stamp on Europe’s takeover of Africa. The rules of the game were simple: any European nation that could establish a claim to African territory—through occupation or "effective control"—could take it. The result was a haphazard partitioning of Africa, with borders drawn without regard for ethnic groups, languages, or existing kingdoms. The process was chaotic, often leading to conflicts between European powers, but the ultimate victims were the Africans themselves.

The Human Cost: How the Scramble Ravaged African Societies

The Scramble for Africa was not just a political or economic event; it was a deeply human tragedy. The partitioning of the continent disrupted centuries-old societies, breaking up families, communities, and entire nations. People found themselves overnight living under foreign rule, forced to adapt to strange new systems of governance, taxation, and labor. Many were subjected to brutal exploitation, forced to work on plantations or in mines under inhumane conditions. Traditional leaders were either co-opted or overthrown, and cultural practices were suppressed. The exploitation was not just about resources; it was also about people. The most infamous example is King Leopold’s Congo Free State, where Belgian King Leopold II ran a personal fiefdom of terror, enslaving millions of people to harvest rubber. The human cost was staggering; millions died due to forced labor, violence, and the introduction of new diseases.

Resistance and the Fight for Freedom: Africans Push Back

But Africans were not passive victims in this story. From the moment European powers set foot on their land, there was resistance. Some kingdoms and leaders fought back with arms, trying to defend their territories. The Zulu Kingdom in southern Africa, for instance, engaged in fierce battles with British and Dutch settlers. In other places, people used diplomacy or sabotage to resist. Notably, the Scramble for Africa also galvanized African intellectuals and leaders to organize movements for independence, setting the stage for the anti-colonial struggles of the 20th century. These efforts were both heroic and heart-wrenching, as Africans fought not only against foreign powers but also against internal divisions and the legacy of colonial rule. Their stories remind us of the resilience and determination of a people determined to reclaim their future.

The Legacy of the Scramble for Africa: What Remains Today?

140 years later, the Scramble for Africa continues to shape the continent and the world. The arbitrary borders drawn in Berlin are still in place, often dividing communities and causing tensions. Many of the economic inequalities that began during the colonial period persist, with African nations struggling to break free from the legacy of resource extraction and dependency. Politically, the Scramble laid the groundwork for Cold War rivalries and ongoing foreign interference in African affairs. Culturally, the Scramble disrupted African identities and ways of life, though many communities have managed to reconnect with their heritage. The emotional and psychological scars are still visible, as is the ongoing demand for justice and reparations for the crimes committed during this period.

But the Scramble for Africa also reminds us of something more hopeful: the enduring strength and resilience of the African people. Despite the trauma and injustice of that era, Africa is rising, with vibrant cultures, growing economies, and a new generation of leaders determined to forge their own path. Remembering the past is not just about mourning what was lost but also about honoring the struggle and the vision of a continent that will one day truly be free from foreign dominance. The story of the Scramble for Africa is a cautionary tale, but it is also a call to action—a reminder that history does not have to repeat itself, and that a better future is possible.