Former colonial powers, such as Germany, France, Britain, and others, have recently increased their interest and activity in their former colonies in Africa and Asia.
They have apologised for past atrocities, returned stolen artefacts, and offered aid and cooperation. But are these gestures sincere and sufficient, or are they new forms of colonialism that aim to exploit and control the former colonies?
In recent years, there has been a surge of interest and activity from former colonial powers in their former colonies, especially in Africa and Asia.
Some of these initiatives are driven by humanitarian motives, such as providing aid, health care, education, and peacekeeping. Others are motivated by economic interests, such as securing access to natural resources, markets, and investment opportunities.
And some are inspired by a sense of historical responsibility, such as apologizing for past atrocities, returning stolen artifacts, and supporting cultural and political development.
These gestures of goodwill and reconciliation are often welcomed by the former colonies, who appreciate the recognition of their suffering and the assistance in their challenges.
However, they also raise questions about the sincerity and legitimacy of the former colonialists, who have a history of exploiting and oppressing the colonized peoples. Are these initiatives genuine attempts to redeem themselves and repair the damage they have done, or are they new forms of colonialism that seek to maintain or regain influence and control over the former colonies?
One example of this dilemma is the case of Germany, which has recently made headlines for its efforts to atone for its colonial past. From October 30 to November 1, 2023, as part of a two-country tour that included Zambia, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Tanzania and apologised for the colonial-era massacre of hundreds of thousands of people during the Maji Maji Rebellion from 1905 to 1907.
He also pledged to work with Tanzania to find and return the remains of Chief Songea Mbano, an executed leader of the revolt. In May 2023, Germany officially recognized the genocide of tens of thousands of Herero and Nama people in Namibia from 1904 to 1908 and offered $1.3 billion in reparations.
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Germany also announced plans to return thousands of cultural artefacts looted from its former colonies in Africa and Asia.
These actions have been praised by some as courageous and commendable steps towards justice and healing.
However, they have also been criticized by others as insufficient and insincere gestures that do not address the root causes and consequences of colonialism. Some argue that Germany’s apologies and reparations are too little, too late, and do not reflect the true extent and impact of its crimes.
Some claim that Germany’s return of artifacts is selective and conditional, and does not respect the sovereignty and wishes of the former colonies. And some suspect that Germany’s involvement in Africa and Asia is driven by ulterior motives, such as securing strategic partnerships and resources in a competitive global arena.
The case of Germany is not unique. Other former colonial powers, such as France, Britain, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Japan, and the United States, have also faced similar dilemmas and controversies in their relations with their former colonies. Some have apologised for their past wrongs, some have offered compensation or restitution, some have returned cultural heritage, and some have increased their cooperation and assistance.
Some have also denied or downplayed their responsibility, some have refused or delayed to pay or deliver what they promised, some have imposed conditions or restrictions on their returns or aid, and some have interfered with or exploited their former colonies.
The question of how to deal with the legacy of colonialism is not easy or simple. It involves complex historical, legal, moral, political, economic, and cultural issues that affect millions of people across continents.
It requires honesty, humility, empathy, dialogue, respect, and justice from all parties involved. It demands a balance between acknowledging the past and looking toward the future.
The return of the colonialists can be an opportunity for redemption or a risk for a new form of exploitation. It depends on how they approach their former colonies. As equals or inferiors, as partners or patrons, as friends or foes. It also depends on how the former colonies respond to their former colonisers. As victims or agents, as recipients or contributors and most importantly as allies or adversaries.
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