ON the 140th anniversary of the Berlin Conference, a pivotal moment in the history of colonialism, activists, artists, and academics gathered in Berlin under the auspices of the German cultural project Dekoloniale. Held on Friday, the event examined the far-reaching consequences of the 1884 meeting where European leaders divided the African continent, cementing borders and practices that continue to shape its socio-political landscape.
The conference was held at the European Commission’s German representation, located near the former residence of Otto von Bismarck, Germany’s ‘Iron Chancellor,’ who hosted the original Berlin Conference. Over 100 days, representatives of European powers—ranging from Britain to Portugal—carved up Africa into colonial territories without regard for existing cultural, linguistic, or political structures. By 1900, European nations controlled over 90 percent of the continent.
‘What happened here in Berlin was not just an act of territorial rearrangement, it was an act of violence,’ Bell Ribeiro-Addy, a British Labour MP of Ghanaian descent, told Reuters. ‘It wasn’t just about drawing borders—it was about power, exploitation, and claiming resources, minerals, land, and labour.’
Reckoning with the past
Friday’s discussions brought together leading voices from the African continent and its global diaspora. Finnish-Nigerian author Minna Salami highlighted the lasting impact of the conference: ‘The decisions made in this city have led to impoverishment, corruption, conflict, and trauma across Africa.’
Michaela Moua, the European Commission’s inaugural coordinator on anti-racism, underscored the importance of addressing historical injustices to better understand modern-day racism. “These are painful truths,” she said, advocating for open dialogue about Europe’s colonial history.
The event also addressed calls for reparations. Several attendees demanded tangible restitution from European nations, with a delegate summing up their appeal: ‘Give back what you stole from us.’
Reparations remain a divisive issue. While proponents argue that the legacies of slavery and colonialism have entrenched racial inequalities, opponents maintain that present-day governments cannot be held accountable for historical actions. Moua clarified that the European Commission itself has no authority on reparations, leaving decisions to individual member states.
The Berlin Conference’s enduring influence
The borders drawn at the 1884 Berlin Conference have left an indelible mark on Africa. Driven by economic motives, the arbitrary partitioning ignored the continent’s rich diversity, leading to inter-ethnic conflicts, disrupted governance systems, and socio-political instability. These boundaries remain largely unchanged, serving as stark reminders of Europe’s colonial legacy.
Reflecting on the impact, Ribeiro-Addy noted, ‘The echoes of what happened in 1884 reverberate through generations. These decisions shaped global power dynamics and entrenched systems of inequality that persist today.’
The case for reparations
Momentum for reparations has been growing globally, though it faces significant resistance. Most former colonial powers have rejected the idea outright, arguing that current governments should not bear responsibility for historical injustices.
However, events like Dekoloniale are helping to shift the conversation. Advocates for reparations point to lasting economic disparities and systemic inequalities as evidence of the need for redress.
As discussions continue, the legacy of the Berlin Conference remains a poignant symbol of Europe’s role in shaping Africa’s past and present. Whether through reparations or increased awareness of history’s injustices, the hope expressed by participants is for a future built on recognition, reconciliation, and equity.
