Brutish Colony

The British were initially lured to Senegal by the prospect of trade in gold, but their presence was fragile and often chaotic. They eventually outlawed the slave trade and improved governance, but tragedy struck when a frigate carrying French administrators and troops sank. The borders of The Gambia were also established, and an unsuccessful attempt to persuade Vichy forces to declare for General de Gaulle led to a British naval bombardment of Dakar.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2021
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

The largely untold tale of British presence in pre-Independence Senegal is a captivating chapter in African history. Initially drawn to the region by the promise of lucrative gold trade, the British established colonies on the islands of Gorée and Saint-Louis in 1765, marking the birth of Senegambia as the first British Crown colony in Africa. However, their foothold on the Senegalese coast was precarious, characterized by corruption, drunkenness, and violence, further weakened by disease and constantly vulnerable to attacks by France.

One of the British Governors, known for his brutal tactics, became a legendary figure, with thousands witnessing his eventual hanging. The book delves into the final administration of Saint-Louis and Gorée at the dawn of the 19th century, a period marked by significant improvements in governance and the outlawing of the slave trade. These islands were subsequently returned to France, but tragedy struck when a frigate carrying French administrators and troops sank, as depicted in Gericault's iconic painting "Le Radeau de la Méduse."

Furthermore, the book explores the intricate story of how the borders of The Gambia were established. It provides a brief overview of Britains diplomatic representation in colonial Senegal before concluding with the extraordinary tale of Operation Menace, an ill-fated attempt in 1940 to persuade Vichy forces in Senegal to declare for General de Gaulle. This operation resulted in a bloody clash between Frenchmen and British forces, culminating in a British naval bombardment of Dakar.

The untold story of British presence in pre-Independence Senegal sheds light on the complex dynamics of colonialism, power struggles, and cultural interactions in the African continent. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact of European colonization on the lives of individuals and communities, as well as the enduring legacies of historical events.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800464100