The passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, after a remarkable 70-year reign, prompted a complex mix of grief and reflection globally. However, in many parts of Africa, her death reignited painful conversations about the enduring legacy of British colonialism. For many, the Queen symbolized an empire built on exploitation, violence, and the systemic dehumanization of African peoples, stirring deep-seated historical grievances.
During her lengthy reign, Queen Elizabeth oversaw the dismantling of the British Empire, transforming it into the Commonwealth of Nations. Yet, this period of decolonization was often marked by brutal suppression of independence movements, such as the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, where countless atrocities were committed by British colonial forces. These historical scars remain vivid in the collective memory of many Africans.
Calls for reparations for the economic and human costs of colonialism resurfaced strongly across the continent following the death of Queen Elizabeth. Activists and political groups, particularly in South Africa and Kenya, highlighted how the vast wealth of the British Crown was amassed through the exploitation of African resources and labor, leaving many nations impoverished.
The sentiment among some was that while condolences poured in from global leaders, the absence of an apology from the monarchy for past colonial crimes was a stark reminder of unaddressed injustices. For many who suffered directly or indirectly under British rule, the passing of Queen Elizabeth was less a moment of mourning and more an opportunity to demand accountability and acknowledgment of historical truths.
The mixed reactions across Africa underscored the profound impact of colonialism. While some leaders offered respectful condolences, acknowledging the Queen’s role in the Commonwealth, grassroots movements and intellectual voices seized the moment to critically examine the unresolved issues of land dispossession, stolen artifacts, and the lasting socio-economic inequalities inherited from the colonial era.
Discussions also revolved around the concept of a “spiritual connection” that some Africans felt with the British monarchy, often inherited from colonial-era education, contrasting sharply with the anger over the historical brutalities.