Historical Perspectives Challenge Singular Narratives of Imperialism and Slavery

British writer Obadiah Mbatang recently sparked debate on social media, asserting that discussions of imperialism and genocide often exhibit a "soft liberal racism" by exclusively attributing such acts to white people. In a tweet, Mbatang challenged this narrow view, stating, "Only white people have committed imperialism and genocide and the like. But Ashanti Empire? King Ghezo? Imperialism virtually in every other civilisation. Slavery of Africans in the Arab world." This statement prompts a broader examination of historical power dynamics and the global prevalence of these practices.

The Ashanti Empire, a powerful West African state that flourished from the late 17th to the late 19th centuries in what is now Ghana, was a significant imperial power. The empire expanded through military conquest, incorporating numerous smaller states and peoples. Historical records indicate the Ashanti actively participated in the slave trade, selling captives to European merchants in exchange for firearms and other goods, a practice that fueled their expansion and wealth.

Similarly, King Ghezo, who ruled the Kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Benin) from 1818 to 1858, presided over a state deeply involved in the transatlantic slave trade. Dahomey's economy and military strength were heavily reliant on the capture and sale of enslaved people from neighboring regions. While under pressure from the British to abolish the slave trade in the mid-19th century, King Ghezo notably stated, "The slave trade has been the ruling principle of my people. It is the source of their glory and wealth."

Beyond African empires, the Arab slave trade represents another extensive historical system of human bondage. Spanning over 13 centuries, from the 7th century onwards, this trade forcibly removed millions of Africans across the Sahara, the Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean to the Middle East and other parts of Asia. Unlike the transatlantic trade which primarily sought male laborers, the Arab slave trade often focused on women and girls for concubinage and domestic servitude, and involved the widespread castration of male slaves.

These historical examples underscore Mbatang's point that imperialism, conquest, and slavery were not phenomena exclusive to any single race or civilization. They were prevalent across diverse cultures and regions throughout history, driven by various economic, political, and social factors. A comprehensive understanding of these complex historical realities requires acknowledging the multifaceted nature of power and exploitation across all human societies.