The New Scramble for Africa: History, Global Rivalry, and Future Challenges
In the late 19th century, European powers convened at the Berlin Conference of 1884-85 to establish rules for the conquest and partition of Africa. The Scramble for Africa, which took place between the 1860s and the early 1900s, led to the division of the continent into colonies, protectorates, and 'free-trade' areas. This partitioning resulted in numerous consequences, such as dividing ethnic groups among different countries, leading to civil conflicts and discrimination, and creating a high number of landlocked countries with limited access to global markets.
The repercussions of this scramble continue to have a lasting impact on Africa's economic, social, and political underdevelopment. The artificial nature of colonial borders has caused issues such as ethnic polarization, inequality, and institutional challenges, which in turn have influenced economic development, public goods provision, and conflict.
In more recent times, Africa has seen a new scramble for its resources, driven by powerful nations such as Russia, China, the European Union, and the United States. This global rivalry has intensified as these countries invest billions of dollars in Africa's economy and infrastructure . Africa must be cautious of these major investments, as historically, external powers have exploited the continent for its raw materials, often to the detriment of Africans.
Dr. Bukar Usman, in his book "My Public Service Journey: Issues in Public Policy Administration in Nigeria," evaluates the implications of the new scramble for Africa and warns of the disastrous effects of the old scramble for Africa's resources. He advises African leaders to ensure that new "partners" do not play one African country or section against another and emphasizes the importance of African countries laying their own rules for the new scramble for their resources.
The UK's decision to merge the Foreign Office and the Department of International Development has been met with frustration and cynicism in Africa (6. ). Critics argue that this is part of a broader trend of Western countries becoming more inward-looking, exacerbated by Brexit and Covid-19. Some view the merger as an attempt to counter Chinese influence in Africa, while others argue that it confirms the perception that foreign aid is part of a Western-run global system perpetuating inequality and poverty.
The Scramble for Africa has had long-lasting consequences on the continent, and the new scramble for its resources may lead to further challenges. African nations must be wary of becoming subordinate to powerful nations and commercial interests, which could harm their people in the long term. By laying their own rules for this new scramble, African countries can work towards a brighter future for their people.
