The Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 marked a turning point in African history. European powers divided the continent into spheres of influence, with little regard for the political and social realities of Africa. As a result, the Maasai people were split between what is now Kenya and Tanzania, the Yoruba divided between Nigeria and Cameroon, and the Fulani scattered across multiple West African states. This arbitrary partition laid the groundwork for long-standing conflicts, territorial disputes, and ethnic violence. Despite gaining formal independence, many African states remain bound by the legacy of the Berlin Conference. How can the continent overcome this legacy and «remove the curse of Berlin»?
