Congress of Berlin, gives Congo to Belgium and Nigeria to England.

The Congress of Berlin: The Controversial Division of Congo and Nigeria

On February 26th, 1885, the Congress of Berlin commenced, marking a significant moment in history. This event, organized by the major European powers of the time, sought to address the escalating tension regarding the colonization of Africa. At the heart of the Congress was the division of territories, with Belgium being granted control over the Congo region and England gaining authority over Nigeria. However, this seemingly diplomatic resolution had far-reaching consequences that would shape the futures of these nations in both positive and negative ways.

The Congress of Berlin was convened as a response to the Scramble for Africa, where European powers were fiercely competing for territories on the African continent. This period of intense colonization had led to numerous conflicts and rivalries among the European powers, and it was clear that a diplomatic intervention was essential. Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor of Germany and host of the Congress, sought to establish a framework for the peaceful acquisition of African territories, thus avoiding potential armed conflicts.

One of the most controversial decisions made during the Congress was the allocation of the Congo region to Belgium. King Leopold II of Belgium, driven by his personal ambitions, saw the vast resources and economic potential of the Congo and convinced the Congress to recognize it as his personal possession. This decision would later pave the way for one of the darkest chapters in colonial history, as the exploitation and brutal treatment of the Congolese people under King Leopold II’s rule became widely known.

Under the guise of “humanitarianism” and “civilizing” the region, King Leopold II established the Congo Free State, a territory almost 80 times larger than Belgium itself. However, the reality of the Congo Free State was a regime characterized by forced labor, widespread violence, and a ruthless extraction of its natural resources. The Congolese people, subjected to atrocities such as enslavement, mutilations, and mass killings, suffered tremendously under Leopold II’s rule.

Meanwhile, Nigeria was given to England during the Congress of Berlin, solidifying British influence in West Africa. Similar to the Congo, Nigeria became a colony that served the economic interests of the British Empire. However, the British approach to colonization in Nigeria differed from the Belgian Congo.

Under British rule, Nigeria experienced a degree of infrastructure development, including the construction of railways and the establishment of educational institutions. Additionally, the British introduced a new system of administration and governance, which eventually laid the foundation for the Nigerian independence movement. Nonetheless, this supposed “progress” came at a price, as the Nigerian population was subjected to exploitation and cultural erasure during the colonial period.

The consequences of the Congress of Berlin, despite its aim for peaceful resolution, were far from positive for the people of Congo and Nigeria. The division of territories between Belgium and England led to decades of exploitation, violence, and the suppression of indigenous cultures. Both regions experienced widespread pillaging of their natural resources, while their societies were severely disrupted.

It is essential to critically analyze historical events such as the Congress of Berlin to understand the legacy they have left behind. Acknowledging the negative consequences of colonialism and reflecting upon its impact is crucial in promoting social justice and ensuring that the mistakes of the past are not repeated in the future.