Colonialism and Railway Construction in West Africa

The constructions of railway lines during the colonial period in West Africa were based on some important exploitative considerations. The colonial period witnessed the reality of great economic and political exploitation between Europe and West Africa (also Africa at large). There was the consideration of physical features such as relief and nature of the terrain, presence of navigable rivers and availability of water. The major and most effective means of transportation between West Africa and Europe was through the Atlantic Ocean. Internally in West Africa goods were as well transported through in Land Rivers towards the Atlantic Ocean for movement to Europe.

Railway lines were constructed basically to be able to transport goods. There were also the consideration military factors. The sustenance of the colonial system was embedded on continues conquering and resistance suppression. So there is the need for movement of military hardware and military personnel. Another factor for consideration was economic reality. This is basically the availability of labour and capital and the reality of economic returns.

The French West African territories and the British West African territories railways had different projections of constructions because of contrasted, historical, geographical and political circumstances. In Senegal penetrated the country eastwards. The railway lines constructed by the French in that region were planned to supplement the navigable sections of Senegal and the Niger River with a termination point being the Atlantic Ocean. Other French constructed rail lines were Dakar-Niger River, Conakry to Niger River, and Abidjan to Niger River. In the British West African territories the railway lines were built from the coastal area near Atlantic Ocean. In Ghana the development gold, manganese, bauxite mines would have been impossible if not for the construction of railway lines to move equipments into the hinterland. The construction was traced from the coastal area into the hinterland.

In Nigeria, the construction of railway lines helped to link up the Northern part to the coastal southern areas. These railway lines gave room for exploitative exportation by the British companies and other European companies. The same can be said of Sierra Leone.

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