Stolen wealth, fractured nations: The enduring legacy of colonial plunder

Did you make it? Did you trade for it? No? Then it's stealing. — Cullen Bohannon, Hell on Wheels This stark statement, uttered in the context of America’s brutal westward expansion, resonates chillingly when applied to the colonial project in Africa. The Scramble for Africa, formalised at the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, was nothing short of grand larceny—a calculated theft of land, resources, and sovereignty by European powers. The arbitrary lines drawn during this conference, with callous disregard for existing ethnic, linguistic, and cultural realities, have left deep scars that continue to shape the continent’s struggles. And yet, we, the inheritors of this fractured legacy, are urged to move on, to focus on development, to bury the past. But the past is not a corpse conveniently laid to rest—it is a living force, shaping the present and dictating the future. The wounds of Artificial borders The borders that define African nations today are not products of self-determination but of colonial expediency. The pre-colonial African landscape was a rich tapestry of kingdoms, empires, and communities, each with distinct cultures and governance systems. These were not mere tribes, as the colonial narrative falsely suggested, but sophisticated societies with intricate political structures and thriving economies. The partitioning of Africa shattered this intricate mosaic, dividing cohesive nations and forcing disparate groups into artificial unions. The Ewe people were split between Ghana and Togo; the Somali people were scattered across Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti; the Bakongo were divided between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and the Republic of Congo. These are but a few examples of countless communities irreversibly torn apart by European mapmakers. This fragmentation has had devastating consequences. It fostered intra-national conflicts, as groups with historical animosities were forced to cohabit under imposed nation-states. The lack of legitimate, representative governance structures further fueled instability. Likewise, the arbitrary borders sowed inter-state disputes, often over territories rich in resources, igniting prolonged conflicts that continue to plague the continent. Parallels of plunder: Africa and the American west The colonial conquest of Africa bears eerie similarities to America’s westward expansion, as dramatized in Hell on Wheels. Just as Native American lands were stolen under the guise of Manifest Destiny, Africa was seized under the pretense of the civilizing mission. In both cases, indigenous lands were carved up, traditional structures dismantled, and entire cultures undermined—all in the name of progress. The trans-continental railroad in the United States, a symbol of industrial advancement, was built through the ruthless exploitation of indigenous lands and labour. Likewise, Africa’s infrastructure—railways, roads, and ports—was designed not for the benefit of Africans, but to extract and export resources to European metropoles. Today, Western nations, the architects of Africa’s underdevelopment, position themselves as benevolent partners in its progress. They offer aid, promote democracy, and lecture African leaders on governance, conveniently ignoring the enduring impacts of colonial rule and the ongoing economic exploitation of the continent. The ongoing plunder The colonial theft of Africa’s wealth did not end with independence. Western corporations continue to extract vast amounts of resources—gold, diamonds, oil, timber—often through exploitative contracts and corrupt dealings. The profits flow to foreign capitals, while African nations remain ensnared in cycles of poverty and dependency. Colonial-era borders exacerbate this exploitation. They create fragmented markets, enabling multinational corporations to manipulate prices, evade taxes, and smuggle resources. The resulting conflicts generate instability, a climate that benefits Western interests: arms manufacturers profit from perpetual warfare, and security firms secure lucrative contracts to safeguard foreign investments. The rhetoric of failed states and ungoverned spaces serves as a convenient justification for Western interventions in Africa. These interventions, however, are rarely altruistic. They are driven by the pursuit of strategic influence and economic control, masked as humanitarian efforts. Breaking the chains of colonialism The international order perpetuates the colonial idea by treating Africa’s imposed borders as sacrosanct. The African Union, while fostering cooperation, remains shackled by the principle of uti possidetis—the notion that colonial borders must remain unchanged. Meanwhile, efforts toward deeper regional integration face constant obstruction, often by the very Western powers that claim to support Africa’s unity. The Western model of development further entrenches neocolonialism. Economic policies dictated by international institutions impose Western frameworks on African economies, disregarding indigenous knowledge systems and governance models. This approach sustains a cycle of dependency, positioning Africa as a perpetual recipient rather than an autonomous actor in global affairs. True development requires a fundamental shift—one that recognises historical injustices, reclaims Africa’s agency, and fosters genuine sovereignty. This does not necessarily mean redrawing maps but rethinking governance beyond colonial-era boundaries. Regional integration, emphasizing shared sovereignty and mutual benefit, offers a path forward. Strengthening local governance structures and empowering communities to determine their own futures is crucial. Toward a unified and self-determined Africa Africa’s future depends on its ability to reclaim its history and chart its own course. This means rejecting paternalistic Western narratives and embracing a vision of self-determination and Pan-Africanism. The scars of colonialism will not vanish overnight, but through conscious efforts to address historical injustices and confront present challenges, the continent can begin to heal. The ghosts of the Berlin Conference still linger, but they need not define Africa’s destiny. The power to break free from the shackles of colonialism lies within the African people themselves. It is a power that must be reclaimed, nurtured, and exercised with unwavering determination. The challenges ahead are formidable, but Africa's potential is limitless. A continent long divided by foreign interests can rise—not as a collection of fragmented states, but as a unified force, a beacon of resilience and hope. The colonial lines etched in greed and violence can be erased—not with ink, but with the collective will to build a future of justice, equality, and self-determination. And this journey begins with an unflinching reckoning with the colonial past. The writer is an African scholar and a seasoned commentator on economic and political affairs.

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Stolen wealth, fractured nations: The enduring legacy of colonial plunder