Book on German colonialism in Africa to be presented in Berlin

On Tuesday, 26 November, the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Berlin will host a presentation of Henning Melber’s latest book, The Long Shadow of German Colonialism: Amnesia, Denialism, Revisionism.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the German Empire was one of the largest colonial powers, yet its colonial legacy remains under explored in public consciousness. For decades, narratives of German colonialism were minimized, with myths portraying Germany as a more benign colonial power, especially compared to other European empires. These revisionist narratives gained traction during the Weimar Republic and the Nazi era, impeding efforts to confront the true extent of Germany’s colonial violence and exploitation.

In his book, Melber, a noted scholar, examines the enduring effects of Germany’s colonial past on its present, emphasizing the “challenging colonial asymmetries and blind spots” that continue to shape the nation’s collective memory.

The Berlin event will feature a conversation between Melber and René Aguigah, focusing on how Germany can approach the complex process of reckoning with its colonial history in both present and future memory work. Aguigah, himself a published author, is head of the literature department at Deutschlandfunk and Deutschlandfunk Kultur.

The book aims to contribute significantly to ongoing discussions about historical accountability and the legacies of colonialism that still affect global relations today.

Participation in the event requires prior registration, as seating capacity is limited. However, the event will also be live-streamed for those unable to secure a seat or who wish to attend remotely.

More about the event and how to register for attendance, click here