Africa’s path to independence is often told through the iconic struggles of figures like Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, and Patrice Lumumba, but the story of African freedom is much broader and deeper. For centuries, many African leaders, from kingdoms to empires, stood as the first line of defense against colonial domination. These early warriors, intellectuals, and rulers fought not just for political sovereignty but for cultural integrity and the preservation of African civilization. The early responders to the call for independence, such as Kabalega of Bunyoro-Kitara, Shaka Zulu of the Zulu Kingdom, King Prempeh of Kumasi (Asantehene), Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia, Mwanga of Buganda, and Awich of Lango in Uganda, among many countless others, played pivotal roles in shaping the continent’s history of resistance.
As we celebrate Africa’s independence, it is crucial to look beyond the more commonly known figures and movements, and while many pre-colonial fighters and resisters of colonialism may have been overshadowed by the political leaders of the mid-20th century, their stories and sacrifices remain foundational in the fight for freedom. Their courage, often at great personal cost, provides critical lessons for understanding the ongoing struggle for true African independence.
The Early Defenders of Africa’s Sovereignty
The battle for Africa’s independence did not start with the formal independence movements of the 20th century—it began long before. African kingdoms and societies fiercely resisted European colonial expansion from the 15th century onward. Leaders like Kabalega of Bunyoro-Kitara, Shaka Zulu (Zulu Kingdom), and Mwanga of Buganda did not simply accept colonial imposition; they fought wars, rallied their people, and forged alliances to protect their kingdoms.
In Bunyoro-Kitara, Kabalega (who reigned from 1869 to 1899) is remembered for revolutionizing military tactics, and his heroic defense of his kingdom against British colonial forces. His efforts to protect his people from exploitation, including his resistance to the British during the 1890s, underscore the tenacity of African kings in preserving their sovereignty. Kabalega’s legacy remains deeply embedded in the history of Uganda, a testament to African resilience and defiance against foreign domination.
In present-day South Africa, Shaka Zulu, the formidable warrior king of the Zulu Kingdom (early 19th century) united numerous tribes to create one of the most powerful African military forces in history. He fought fiercely against British encroachment and expansionism, cementing his place as a symbol of African resistance. His legacy represents not only the military might of the Zulu Kingdom but also the cultural and spiritual determination of African communities to defend their lands.
Similarly, in Buganda, Mwanga II (1869–1903) led the kingdom against British imperialism in Uganda, particularly during the late 19th century. His leadership was marked by the 1885-1887 Buganda Crisis, in which he fought to maintain control over his kingdom against the pressures of British influence. His reign and subsequent martyrdom—he was executed by the British in 1903—remain a powerful symbol of resistance to colonial forces.
Awich of Lango, in Uganda, is another unsung hero who resisted British colonization in the early 1900s, leading his people in armed resistance during the Lango rebellion. The struggle for independence in Uganda, and the fight to preserve cultural identity, is deeply rooted in such historical figures, whose names have often been overshadowed by those of colonial-era leaders.
In Ivory Coast, the Baule people—led by King Akou and others—fought against French encroachment during the late 19th century. Similarly, in Nigeria, the Tiv people fiercely resisted British imperial rule in the early 20th century, with Jukun and Tiv uprisings proving significant in challenging the colonial powers. These uprisings and battles, often disregarded in mainstream histories, were vital in the broader narrative of African resistance to colonialism.
The story of King Prempeh of Kumasi (Asante Kingdom), in what is present-day Ghana, is another critical chapter in the history of African resistance. In the late 19th century, Prempeh fought a series of battles to defend the Asante Empire from British invasion. Though eventually exiled by the British in 1900, Prempeh’s leadership and the Asante struggle became a symbol of African resistance and pride. The Ashanti wars against the British were amongst the longest and most determined resistance movements in Africa.
Ethiopia: A Triumph of African Resistance
Among the many stories of African resistance, one stands out as a beacon of hope and pride—the victory of Ethiopia (Abyssinia) over the Italian invasion in 1896. The Battle of Adwa was not just a military triumph but a symbolic one. Emperor Menelik II and his forces defeated the Italian army, ensuring that Ethiopia remained the only African country to successfully resist colonization during the “Scramble for Africa.”
The victory at Adwa is a source of great pride for all of Africa. It demonstrated that Africa was capable of defending itself against European colonial powers and was a rallying cry for other African nations fighting for freedom. The victory of Ethiopia stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of African peoples to retain their sovereignty, and it remains one of the greatest achievements in the struggle for African independence.
The Quest for True African Independence: Beyond Political Sovereignty
While Africa gained political independence from colonial rule in the 20th century, true independence remains elusive in many ways. As we honor these early defenders of African sovereignty, we must recognize that true liberation is not merely the achievement of political autonomy but the empowerment of African nations to control their own economic, cultural, and intellectual destiny.
The heroes of the past, from Kabalega to Shaka Zulu to Menelik II, , fought for a vision of Africa where the continent was free to develop its own systems, values, and future. They believed that real independence meant not only the removal of foreign rulers but the reassertion of African leadership, culture, and agency. Today, Africa continues to face challenges of neocolonialism, economic dependence, and cultural imperialism. The victory at Adwa, the Bunyoro, and Zulu resistance, the Asante wars, among many other African efforts are still alive in the hearts of Africans who continue to fight for control over their resources, narratives, and future.
The Importance of Education and Cultural Preservation
To honor the legacy of these early defenders, we must educate the next generation about the history of African resistance. The story of Africa’s fight for freedom should not be confined to the 20th century; it must include the resistance of kingdoms, empires, and communities that fought to protect their sovereignty long before colonialism’s formal end. African education systems must place a stronger emphasis on African history, cultural heritage, and the lives of those who paved the way for today’s independence.
Preserving Africa’s cultural heritage is equally important. The return of stolen artifacts, the protection of indigenous languages, and the promotion of African traditions all play a role in reclaiming African identity. Museums, cultural institutions, and educational centers must continue to honor the stories of our heroes and showcase the artifacts and treasures that were once stolen by colonial powers.
Continuing the Fight for True Independence
The early defenders of African independence were not simply fighting for political autonomy; they were defending the soul of Africa. They fought to preserve Africa’s cultural identity, to protect its people, and to ensure that Africa remained free from external domination.
Today, as we reflect on Africa’s independence, we must remember these early heroes. We must honor their sacrifices by continuing their fight for true independence—an Africa where all nations are economically self-sufficient, culturally proud, and politically free to shape their own futures. The legacy of those who stood against colonialism must inspire us to ensure that Africa’s independence is not just political but fully realized in all aspects of life.
Let us celebrate their courage, their resilience, and their unwavering commitment to freedom. True African independence is a journey—one that requires the continued resistance to neocolonialism and the preservation of our cultural heritage. By honoring the past, we pave the way for a future where Africa’s sovereignty is fully restored.
Article by Dr. James Isagara Kisoro, Executive Director – Kabalega Foundation
