Scramble for Africa

Now that we have begun to see the beginning of the Scramble for Africa, let us see colonialism at its peak before WWI. Notice the different European Powers at work throughout the continent. The large areas under control of France and Britain show the supremacy of the powers and the after effects of their imperialism. The only major country to not fall under colonialism is Ethiopia, who kept the title of being unconquered until the time of Mussolini. One can definitely see why the modern countries of Africa, especially North Africa, have nice clean borders. These were the lines that were drawn by Europeans to mark their zones of control.

U.S. Enters Cameroon to fight Boko Haram

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-34533820

The U.S. has landed about 300 troops in Cameroon in order to help fight Boko Haram. Though the U.S. has helped against the Islamic group, this is the first time that they have used U.S. troops to fight directly against them. This decision  was made after the group declared its absorption into the Islamic State. The U.S. sees this as a threat to its interests in West Africa and has plans to keep the troops there until "they are no longer needed". This shows a great initiative for combating the problematic group since allying with the Islamic State could potentially make it more deadly.

Challenging Imperialism: Shaka of the Zulus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka

"Strike an enemy once and for all. Let him cease to exist as a tribe, or he will live to fly at your throat again." 

      A Quote from one of the most famous Africans. According to the diary of H.F. Flynn, Shaka voiced this edict to his ally Dingiswayo concerning a defeated enemy. These words certainly summarized Shaka's philosophy. Bastard son of a tribal chieftain, Shaka kaSenzangahona would oust his half-brother in 1816 AD to claim leadership of the Zulus. He is credited with unifying the Nguni tribes into the Zulu Kingdom. Although called a military genius for his reforms and innovations, he has also been condemned for the brutality of his reign. Whatever the judgment, Shaka laid the foundation for an imposing Zulu state. Upon his assassination in 1828, the Zulu were poised to challenge even the Europeans for control of southern Africa.