Henry Morton Stanley

Stanley's Congo Treaties

Background of the Treaties

  • Time Period: 1879 to 1884
    • Duration: Approximately six years.
  • Key Figure: Henry M. Stanley
    • An explorer who worked for King Leopold of Belgium.
  • Objective:
    • To survey the Upper Congo River basin to establish an imperial enclave in Central Africa.
  • Historical Context:
    • The 1880s marked the height of Western imperialism.
    • Great powers like Britain, France, and Germany engaged in the 'scramble for Africa,' claiming vast territories on the continent.
  • King Leopold's Ambition:
    • Driven by energy, determination, and personal wealth, Leopold aimed to carve out a colony in Africa.
    • He founded the International African Association, which later became known as the International Association of the Congo.

Stanley's Activities in the Congo

  • During his time in the Congo, Stanley signed treaties with over 450 native chiefs.
  • Outcome:
    • These treaties granted Leopold sovereignty over the territories of the chiefs according to the general terms exemplified in the sample treaty provided.

Berlin Conference

  • Significance:
    • The treaties and subsequent actions were endorsed by the Berlin Conference.
  • Result:
    • Leopold's organization received approval to establish the Congo Free State in 1885.

Sample Treaty

Context
  • The treaty was concluded between Henry M. Stanley, representatives of the International African Association, and the chiefs of Ngombi and Mafela at South Manyanga.
Article I
  • Recognition:
    • The chiefs recognize the importance of establishing the International African Association in their country for the advancement of civilization and trade.
  • Cession of Sovereignty:
    • The chiefs agree to permanently cede sovereignty and governing rights over their territories to the International African Association.
  • Obligation to Assist:
    • Chiefs promise to help the Association in governing and civilizing the region and to influence other inhabitants to obey the laws enacted by the Association.
Article II
  • Alliance Against Intrusion:
    • The chiefs commit to join forces with the Association to resist foreign intrusion or attacks by any outsiders.
Article III
  • Claims to Territory:
    • The chiefs affirm their ownership of the land and declare they can freely dispose of it.
  • Prohibition on Treaties:
    • They vow not to enter into any treaties, grants, or sales with foreigners without the Association's permission.
  • Rights to Roads and Resources:
    • All roads, waterways, and rights to collect tolls, as well as game, fishing, mining, and forest rights are reserved to the Association, including unoccupied lands chosen in the future.
Compensation Article
  • Monthly Subsidy:
    • The International African Association agrees to provide the chiefs with one piece of cloth per month as compensation, which the chiefs acknowledge as a full settlement of their claims against the Association.
Obligations of the Association
  1. Land Use Agreement:
    • No occupied or cultivated land will be taken from the natives except through mutual agreement.
  2. Promotion of Prosperity:
    • To the best of its ability, the Association promises to enhance the prosperity of the ceded nation.
  3. Protection of Inhabitants:
    • The Association commits to protect the inhabitants from oppression and foreign incursions.
  4. Authority and Local Governance:
    • The Association grants chiefs the authority to raise its flag, resolve local disputes, and maintain the I.A.A.'s authority among the natives.
Agreement Formalities
  • The treaty ends with an agreement that was signed and witnessed.
Reference
  • Source: Henry M. Stanley, The Congo and the Founding of its Free State (1885), Vol. II, pp. 195-197