Spanish colonialism in Africa, although less extensive and lasting than in the Americas and Asia, left a significant mark on the continent. This history begins in the 15th century with the exploration of the Canary Islands and extends until the mid-20th century, when the last Spanish colonies gained their independence. Below we will analyse the phases, the regions affected and the consequences of Spanish colonialism in Africa.
The first incursions: The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, were the first African territory to be colonised by Spain. In the late 15th century, the Catholic Monarchs financed the conquest of the islands, which were inhabited by the Guanches, an indigenous people with Berber roots. The colonisation of the Canaries set a precedent for Spanish expansion, notable for its brutal conquest and forced evangelisation of the Guanches.
The Western Coast: The Spanish Sahara
During the 19th century, Spain turned its attention to the African continent in the context of the Berlin Conference (1884-1885), which divided Africa among the European powers. Spain claimed vast areas of Western Sahara, creating the colony of Spanish Sahara. This territory, rich in natural resources, became a strategic enclave for Spain.
Colonialism in the Spanish Sahara was characterised by military administration and limited economic exploitation. The local population, mainly Sahrawi nomads, maintained a constant resistance against Spanish domination, culminating in the formation of the Polisario Front and a protracted struggle for independence that culminated in 1975 when Spain withdrew from the territory, leaving it in a situation of dispute between Morocco and the Polisario Front that will lead to an armed conflict still unresolved today.
Spanish Guinea: The Pearl of Africa
Another significant area of Spanish colonial presence was Equatorial Guinea. Colonisation of this region began in 1778 when Spain acquired the territories of Fernando Poo (now Bioko) and Rio Muni from Portugal. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Spain consolidated its control over these territories, establishing cocoa and coffee plantations that became the backbone of the colonial economy.
Colonial administration in Equatorial Guinea was notably different from other African colonies due to its relative economic prosperity. However, this did not exempt Guineans from exploitation and racial discrimination. Independence came in 1968, following a series of nationalist movements that pressured Spain to abandon the colony. Since then, Equatorial Guinea has experienced periods of political instability and dictatorships that have affected its development.
Other minor territories
In addition to the main colonies, Spain maintained small enclaves on the North African coast, known as plazas de soberanía. These include Ceuta and Melilla, as well as other small territories such as the Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, the Chafarinas Islands and the Peñón de Alhucemas. These enclaves, which date back to medieval times and the wars against the Muslim states, have remained under Spanish control until the present, despite Morocco’s claims.
The Impact and Legacy of Spanish Colonialism in Africa
The impact of Spanish colonialism in Africa was complex and multifaceted. In economic terms, Spanish colonies were not as exploited as those of other European powers due to a lack of significant resources and limited Spanish investment. However, where exploitation did occur, as in Equatorial Guinea, the effects were profound, with local economies transformed and populations subjected to forced labour and racial discrimination.
Culturally, Spanish influence left a lasting legacy. The Spanish language remains an official language in Equatorial Guinea, and the Catholic religion is still predominant in many of the former colonies. Colonial architecture and other cultural elements also persist, evidencing Spain’s historical presence.
Politically, the process of decolonisation was often turbulent. In Western Sahara, the Spanish withdrawal left a power vacuum that led to a protracted and unresolved conflict to this day. In Equatorial Guinea, independence was followed by dictatorship and corruption, problems that still plague the country. In contrast, the Canary Islands are one of the 17 autonomous communities that make up Spain, and Ceuta and Melilla have the status of autonomous cities and have achieved a similar degree of social and economic development as mainland Spain.
In conclusion, although Spanish colonialism in Africa was less prominent than in other regions, its legacy is significant. From the Canary Islands to Western Sahara and Equatorial Guinea, the Spanish presence has shaped the history and culture of these regions. Colonialism left deep scars and challenges that remain relevant today, reflecting the complexity of the colonial legacy on the African continent.
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