Ethiopia and Liberia: Africa’s uncolonised nations and their modern-day legacy
While most of Africa succumbed to European colonial domination during the "Scramble for Africa" in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, two nations—Ethiopia and Liberia—stand out as enduring symbols of sovereignty and resilience.
Ethiopia, located in the Horn of Africa, fiercely maintained its independence through military resistance, most famously by defeating the Italian army at the Battle of Adwa in 1896.
Despite a brief occupation by Fascist Italy from 1936 to 1941, Ethiopia was never formally colonised and retained its imperial structure under Emperor Haile Selassie.
Liberia, on the other hand, was founded in 1822 by freed African-American slaves under the auspices of the American Colonization Society. It declared independence in 1847 and remained free from European colonisation, although it was heavily influenced by American political and cultural norms.
Modern-day significance
The independence of Ethiopia and Liberia is more than a historical footnote—it continues to shape their national identities and regional roles today:
- Ethiopia has emerged as a major diplomatic power in East Africa, hosting the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa and playing a pivotal role in regional peacekeeping efforts. Despite recent internal conflicts, its long history of sovereignty remains a source of national pride and a model of African self-determination.
- Liberia has capitalised on its unique history in post-conflict reconstruction, promoting democratic governance since the end of its civil war in the early 2000s. The country’s founding legacy also continues to influence its relationship with the United States, its largest donor and ally.
Cultural and psychological impact
The historical independence of Ethiopia and Liberia has had a profound cultural impact, serving as beacons of African resistance and resilience. Ethiopia, in particular, became a symbol of hope for Pan-African movements and Black liberation struggles across the globe, from Harlem to Johannesburg.
In Liberia, the preservation of indigenous identities alongside Americo-Liberian traditions has created a complex but uniquely self-governed African society that avoided the deep scars of European-imposed boundaries and rule.
