A colonial model that split a people in two

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1884, Germany claimed a stretch of West African coast to create a model colony. Today, that territory is split between two nations, leaving a legacy of divided geography and enduring cultural sentiment that still shapes modern relations.

Togoland was established during the 'Scramble for Africa' when German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck claimed the territory. The process was marked by aggressive expansion: in February 1884, German soldiers abducted the chiefs of Aného to force a treaty of protection. Simultaneously, explorer Gustav Nachtigal signed a treaty with local chief Mlapa III on July 5, 1884, raising the imperial flag for the first time on the African continent. By 1890, the colony was governed by only 12 German officials.

The German administration focused on transforming the region into an agricultural powerhouse. Because the area lacked known mineral resources at the time, they prioritized export crops like cacao, cotton, and coffee. They developed Lomé as a primary port and built extensive infrastructure, including three rail lines and over 1,000 km of roads by 1914. This infrastructure was designed specifically to serve German economic interests, linking the coast to the interior.

The territory's modern borders were forged by World War I. In 1922, the League of Nations formally divided the land into French and British mandates. Two-thirds of the territory, including the capital Lomé, became French Togoland (now Togo), while the western portion became British Togoland. The British section eventually joined independent Ghana in 1957, while French Togoland became the Republic of Togo in 1960. This division remains a point of friction today, particularly among the Ewe people in Ghana who maintain a lingering sentiment for reunification.

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