Recent events in Niger shed light on the question we were discussing earlier: Did Africans sell their fellow Africans into slavery, or is this narrative simply a tool favored by the white man to absolve himself of the grave atrocities he is responsible for?
Either way, this argument fails to consider the following:
Distinct African Practices of Bondage
In African societies, the concept of bondage was distinct from the Western notion of slavery. Such practices were often rooted in conflicts or wars rather than commercial endeavors. Those held in such conditions were typically released after a limited period and reintegrated into society, even having the opportunity to marry and raise families.
The way these societies treated their own people differs significantly from the brutalities inflicted by the European slave trade, such as rape, separation of families, and systematic breeding of slaves. The white man has skillfully woven these lies and tirelessly propagated them until they gained acceptance.
Exploiting Divisions for Gain
Every society has its share of individuals driven by selfish motives. Unfortunately, when the white man arrived in Africa starting from the 1400s, he exploited these elements. He eliminated those willing to contribute positively to the continent, labeling them as adversaries, and thereby perpetuating a cycle of exploitation from Slavery to Colonialism, which continues to this day.
The malevolent individuals, the traitors, and the inept ones were left in power, while those with noble intentions were unjustly vilified and undermined, leading to their struggles in governing Africa. Sanctions and demonization further exacerbate the situation. These tactics are designed to divide and conquer.
Unveiling Hidden Horrors
It’s crucial to question both the white man and ourselves about the millions of Africans who lost their lives. Apart from the 20 to 50 million Africans transported to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade, what about the 20 million killed in the Congo and the 10 million in Namibia at the hands of the same European powers?
The European narrative remains silent on these horrors because acknowledging them would expose their own deceit. This makes us wonder: if Africans were truly complicit in selling their own, where did the profits go? The notion that white civilization was built entirely upon African slaves falls apart. In truth, there was no fair trade, but rather a manipulation of corrupt elements in Africa by European powers, as seen in contemporary times as well.
Persistent Presence and Interference
The persistent presence of the white man in Africa contradicts the assertion that Africans willingly sold their own. The continent witnesses the interference, chaos, and division instigated by these external forces. French, European, and American interests continue to exert influence in the Sahel region, despite African weariness of their presence.
Defeating slavery in 1804 was followed by the imposition of colonialism in 1885, and after defeating colonialism in 1957, neocolonialism emerged in 1966. If these foreign powers were genuinely altruistic, why do they align with the most corrupt elements within Africa, as seen in the workings of ECOWAS and the AU? Why do they persistently interfere instead of allowing Africans the autonomy to self-govern?
Conclusion: Reclaiming Autonomy
In conclusion, the narrative that Africans sold their brothers into slavery is a tool used by colonialists to evade responsibility for their own heinous actions. The reality is far more complex, with African societies engaging in practices distinct from the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. The ongoing interference and manipulation by foreign powers further underscore the importance of unity and self-governance for African nations. As we move forward, it’s crucial to dispel the myths propagated by history and work towards a truly independent and empowered Africa.
Hello! Good read. Might I suggest citations to back these claims? Please email me.
Hello Kwame, Nice piece. It would be scholarly dishonest to not admit that Africans sold Africans during the time of the Trans-Atlantic Trade. I agree with everything you say in your writing about the differences in bondage on the Continent and abroad. I was born in the US and the historians whose views I value make it a point to point out the contrast in the types of bondage. I think it is up to Africans throughout the Diaspora to do two things (1) deliberately confront this historic past with a truth and reconciliation conference and (2) construct our own historical narratives that explain the details of the trade. I would also add that perhaps it appears that Africans did not profit from the trade because according to many accounts they were trading people for cowry shell, rum, and guns which did not produce wealth. I think it is also important to note that the Europeans, especially the Americans, did not only profit from the sale of Africans but also from hundreds of years of free labor which went in to feeding and clothing them; as well as constructing their built environments.