The Dark Legacy of Colonial Evangelism: Understanding King Leopold’s Message to His Agents in the Congo

I recently stumbled upon a touching letter from King Leopold II of Belgium, a stark reminder of the brutal legacy left by colonial evangelism. As I write this article, I can’t shake the unsettling questions that linger in my mind: what twisted logic allowed European imperialists to view Africa and its people as mere resources, divinely ordained for their exploitation?

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How could they so easily strip an entire continent of its humanity, all in the name of commerce and civilization? The cold indifference woven into Leopold’s words is a chilling testament to the deep-seated disregard for African lives that marked this dark chapter in history.

That is what we are going to be talking about in this article and let me remind you that it’s going to be long. As members of the African diaspora, you must engage with this history, not only to understand the past but to forge a collaborative and empowering future.

However, I need to point out one thing. If you expect me to present this argument by solely blaming King Leopold or European colonialists for everything wrong in Africa, you need to think again.

While I will certainly and for most of this article address the atrocities committed against the Congolese and African people by European imperialists, I won’t shy away from the role and responsibilities of the local communities or maybe I should say some privileged few who have, and are still benefiting from the suffering of their own people.

This is a perspective I have held for some time now, and it continues to shape the way I approach most of my work. Back in 2010, I wrote a book titled UNDERDEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA: My Hands Are Clean, and in 2015, I released a documentary called Pan-Africanism: Testing Ideas on Reality.

While both works talked about the role of multinational bodies in African geopolitics, they equally explored the theme of African responsibility. So, keep that in mind in mind as you read this long article. First, go through the full letter below so you can catch the reference to it throughout the article.

The Full Letter As Was Writing By King Leopold ii in 1883

“Reverends, Fathers, and Dear Compatriots:

The task that is given to you is very difficult. You will go certainly to evangelize, but your priority must be Belgium’s interests.

Your principal mission in the Congo is never to teach the savages to know God, this they know already. They speak and submit to a Mungu, one Nzambi, one Nzakomba, and what else I don’t know (all of these are native African gods).

Your essential role is to facilitate the task of administrators and industrialists, which means you will interpret the gospel in the way that will be the best to protect our interests in that part of the world.

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Your knowledge of the gospel will allow you to find texts encouraging your followers to love poverty, like “Happier are the poor because they will inherit the heaven” and, “It’s very difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.” You have to make them abandon everything which gives them the courage to affront [resist] us.

Evangelize the savages so that they stay forever in submission to the white colonialists, so they never revolt against the restraints they are undergoing. Recite every day-“Happy are those who are weeping because the kingdom of God is for them.”

Convert the blacks always by using the whip.

The Historical Context: The Rise of Colonialism in Africa

The late 19th century (roughly 1870–1960) marked a pivotal moment in African history, characterized by the scramble for Africa, as European powers raced to claim vast territories.

The Berlin Conference of 1884-85, where European nations divided the continent among themselves without regard for indigenous cultures or political boundaries, epitomizes this era of exploitation.

King Leopold II’s interests in the Congo were particularly nefarious; he cloaked his ambitions under the guise of humanitarianism and civilizing missions. In reality, his rule over the Congo Free State led to the brutal exploitation of its resources, with estimates suggesting that millions died as a direct result of his policies see King Leopold’s Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa, a 1998 Book by Adam Hochschild.

You may wonder how a monarch could justify such atrocities. Leopold positioned himself as a champion of progress and Christianity, promoting the idea that he was bringing civilization to the so-called “savages.”

This rhetoric was not only a tool for justifying violence and subjugation but also a means of manipulating religious sentiments among both the colonizers and the colonized.

The missionaries he sent were tasked with evangelizing, but their real purpose was to ensure that the native population remained submissive to colonial rule. Now, let’s explore the letter a bit more.

Analyzing Leopold’s Letter And The Key Massage

When you delve into Leopold’s letter to his agents, the implications become unsettlingly clear. Phrases like “prioritize Belgium interests” and “facilitate the task of administrators and industrialists” strip away any pretense of moral duty.

Leopold’s directive was to exploit the Congo’s vast resources, notably rubber and ivory, which fueled the burgeoning industries of Europe. The forced labor and brutal treatment of the Congolese people were justified under the pretext of evangelism—a stark reminder of how religion was weaponized to maintain control.

Moreover, Leopold’s mention of “teaching the savages” reveals a profound misunderstanding and dehumanization of African cultures. Indigenous spiritual systems were dismissed, as he perceived the Congolese as needing European guidance, despite their existing rich traditions.

In the article: The Free State of the Congo, a hidden history of genocide, you will read as follows:

“Leopold II was forced to hire European mercenaries to defend his interests. These were organized into a private army, the Force Publique, which numbered up to 19,000 troops.”

The article added that “All the officers were white, while all the rank-and-file soldiers were black men who had been press-ganged into service and forced to serve in the Force Publique for a minimum of seven years. Recruits were sometimes bought from tribal leaders, though often they were simply kidnapped”.

This paternalistic attitude has persisted, echoing through colonial narratives that often portray African societies as primitive and in need of salvation.

The language of Leopold’s letter provides insight into the colonial mindset, which relied on dehumanization and exploitation. It is a stark reminder of the lengths to which colonizers would go to maintain their grip on power.

The psychological implications of such rhetoric were profound, creating a societal framework that justified violence and oppression while erasing the rich histories and identities of African peoples. What about the impact of colonial evangelism? Let look into that shortly.

The Impact of Colonial Evangelism on African Societies

As you reflect on the impact of colonial evangelism, consider the cultural disruption it caused. Indigenous belief systems, which were often deeply integrated into the social fabric of communities, faced relentless assault.

Traditional practices and spiritualities were deemed inferior or pagan, leading to a loss of identity and cultural heritage. The forced adoption of Christianity stripped many Africans of their spiritual autonomy and replaced it with a faith that often served the interests of the colonizers.

You might also ponder the psychological ramifications of this disruption. Leopold’s agents were instructed to preach messages that promoted poverty and submission. The phrase “Happier are the poor because they will inherit the kingdom of God” was weaponized to suppress resistance and encourage acceptance of harsh realities.

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This manipulation of religious teachings fostered a sense of hopelessness and resignation among the oppressed, discouraging them from confronting their colonial oppressors.

Moreover, the long-term effects of these policies continue to reverberate through contemporary African societies. Many communities still grapple with the aftershocks of colonization, struggling to reclaim their identities in a world shaped by external narratives.

The challenges of post-colonial governance, societal fragmentation, and economic disparity can often be traced back to the deliberate disintegration of indigenous systems during colonial rule. A Book-like Things Fall Apart by Dr. Chinua Achebe perfectly captured the enormity of European colonialism on the African psyche and society life

Books like Things Fall Apart by Dr. Chinua Achebe vividly encapsulate the profound impact of European colonialism on the African psyche and societal structure.

Through the tragic story of Okonkwo, a proud Igbo warrior whose life unravels in the wake of colonial intrusion, Achebe highlights the deep cultural dislocation and identity crisis that accompanied the arrival of European powers.

The novel portrays how colonialism not only dismantled traditional customs and social hierarchies but also instilled a sense of alienation and despair among African peoples.

Achebe’s powerful narrative serves as a powerful lens through which to understand the lasting psychological scars and complexities that colonialism left behind, ultimately emphasizing the resilience of African identities in the face of such profound upheaval.

Economic Consequences of Colonial Rule

The economic repercussions of colonialism were equally devastating. The extraction of resources from Africa was not just an act of theft; it was a systematic dismantling of local economies.

The exploitation of Congolese natural resources remains a deeply entrenched system that has persisted since the time of King Leopold. Today, these resources continue to fuel major tech industries in the West, while the resulting poverty in the Congo is used to justify this ongoing theft.

Through my research on the presence of Africans in northern Italy and my focus on the global diaspora narrative through the Obehi Podcast, I have interviewed numerous Congolese nationals as much as other Africans, and their stories reveal a consistent theme of exploitation and a massive cover-up of atrocities, a legacy of the European colonial era.

The Congo, rich in natural resources, was exploited to fuel Europe’s industrial revolution, with little to no benefit for the local population. The legacy of this exploitation is evident in the ongoing economic struggles many African nations face today.

Consider the fact that during Leopold’s reign, the rubber trade was at the forefront of economic activity. The demand for rubber in Europe skyrocketed, leading to a brutal system of forced labor in Congo.

Workers faced violence and harsh conditions, often losing their lives in the process. This extraction not only devastated the local economy but also stripped communities of their means of livelihood and self-sufficiency.

“On the orders of King Leopold,” said Atrocities Watch Africa, “thousands of Congolese were either hung, their hands amputated for failure to meet the daily ratio of sap collection for rubber making. King Leopold took over about 905,000 square miles of African rain forest with the vast mineral resources for his personal use.”

The notion that “the rich will find it very difficult to enter the kingdom of God” served as a justification for maintaining economic disparity. This rhetoric perpetuated a cycle of poverty that marginalized African populations while enriching European interests.

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The disconnect between the wealth generated in Africa and the poverty experienced by its people remains a profound challenge in the post-colonial era.

The legacy of economic inequality has profound implications for contemporary African nations. As you engage with this history, it’s crucial to recognize the structural challenges that persist today.

Many countries continue to grapple with issues of governance, corruption, and unequal distribution of resources—challenges rooted in the colonial past. Like I said earlier, it’s important to look also into the responsibility of the local people, following the colonial era.

The Responsibility Of Local People

The legacy of colonialism is complex, not only because of the violent exploitation by European powers but also due to the actions of certain local elites who have, and continue to, benefit from the suffering of their own people.

This is glaringly evident in the rampant political corruption stretching from Nigeria to Ghana, Ivory Coast to the very heart of the Congo today. Across these nations, a small, privileged elite often wields immense power, enriching themselves while the broader population struggles to make ends meet.

While colonial figures like King Leopold II and other European players directly profited from the brutal extraction of resources, some local leaders upheld exploitative structures, enabling them to amass wealth and power at the expense of the general population.

This dynamic has led to a perpetuation of colonial-style dominance, where a privileged few thrive while the masses remain impoverished and disenfranchised.

The persistence of this local elite complicity has deepened societal wounds, as these individuals often align with global powers or corporations seeking to extract resources or influence political outcomes in Africa.

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By reinforcing colonial-era hierarchies and values, they hinder the potential for genuine, community-driven development and recovery. This complicity reflects a troubling continuation of the paternalistic attitudes that once justified colonial rule.

As they profit from maintaining control over resources, these elites contribute to a cycle that perpetuates dependency, depriving communities of the chance to reclaim their heritage and build resilient, self-sufficient societies.

Colonialism and Geopolitical Repercussions in Africa

The geopolitical consequences of colonialism extend beyond economic exploitation; they have created divisions that continue to affect African nations today. The arbitrary borders drawn by colonial powers disregarded existing ethnic, cultural, and political boundaries, leading to tensions that would erupt into conflicts long after independence.

Countries like Rwanda and Sudan bear scars from these divisions, where colonial legacies have fueled ethnic strife and violence.

In examining contemporary political dynamics, it’s clear that colonial influences still shape governance in many African nations. The systems of power established during colonial rule often persist, creating environments where corruption and authoritarianism thrive.

The role of religious institutions in these political landscapes is also significant. Many churches that were once agents of colonial control have become pivotal in contemporary politics, influencing everything from education to social justice initiatives.

As members of the African diaspora, you are part of a global community that must grapple with these historical injustices. The path toward unity and progress lies in acknowledging the past, confronting its legacies, and working collaboratively toward a better future.

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Your voice is crucial in shaping narratives that honor the complexity of African histories while advocating for justice and equity.

Understanding and Reconciling the Past

As you delve deeper into the legacies of colonialism, understanding the narratives that have shaped African history is essential. The stories of resilience, resistance, and cultural richness are often overshadowed by the dominant colonial narrative.

Engaging with this history allows you to reclaim and celebrate the strength of African identities.

Empowerment through knowledge is vital. By exploring the complexities of your heritage, you can foster a sense of agency that inspires collective action within the diaspora.

Community initiatives that promote education, cultural exchange, and social justice can help bridge the gap between past injustices and future aspirations.

Building a future grounded in authentic African identities requires collaboration. Diaspora communities can play a transformative role by sharing resources, skills, and knowledge.

Collaborative projects that focus on economic development, cultural preservation, and social justice can empower individuals and communities to reclaim their narratives and shape their destinies.

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Conclusion of King Leopold’s Message to His Agents in the Congo

The haunting words of King Leopold’s letter serve as a reminder of the dark legacy of colonialism, which sought to reshape African societies for European gain. Yet, as members of the African diaspora, you possess the power to rewrite these narratives.

By engaging with your history, advocating for social justice, and fostering collaboration, you can help build a future that honors the richness of African cultures while confronting the challenges of the present.

In this journey of understanding, remember that you are not alone. The collective strength of the African diaspora can pave the way for healing, empowerment, and progress.

Together, you can create a future that not only acknowledges the past but celebrates the resilience and diversity of African identities, crafting a narrative that truly reflects the complexity and richness of your heritage.

Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.