BERLIN: AFRICAN countries have been urged to take control of their own histories, ensuring a truthful portrayal of the events that unfolded during the colonial era.
The call was made by the Minister of State for Media and Culture of Germany, Claudia Roth during the launch of a joint exhibition between Tanzanian and German experts, titled Histories of Tanzania, at the Humboldt Forum in Berlin over the weekend.
“There are many narratives written during colonialism that still shape perceptions today, often diminishing African history and deepening its wounds,” Roth said.
“Many heroes of the past, who suffered under colonial rule, remain silenced and their stories are still suppressed.”
She emphasised the importance of telling one’s own story, noting that without it, people lose their sense of identity.
“If you can’t tell your story, you don’t exist, because storytelling conveys a sense of community. Without it, cultural identity is lost,” she insisted. “Thank you for making these stories tangible and introducing us to the histories of Tanzania. We look forward to more exhibitions like this, even if they reveal painful truths.”
Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Ambassador, Pindi Chana, expressed gratitude for the joint exhibition, which brings to light the untold stories of Tanzania, both before and during colonialism.
She noted that the collaboration is a result of the strong relationship between Tanzania’s President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
“This exhibition should serve as a platform to encourage tourists to visit Tanzania and experience the beauty of our country’s many attractions,” she said via teleconference.
The minister also said that Tanzania is ready to begin negotiations for the restitution and repatriation of cultural artifacts and human remains taken during the colonial era.
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“A negotiation committee has been established, and we are in communication with Germany through diplomatic channels,” she added.
Director General of the National Museum of Tanzania, Dr Noel Lwoga, said that his organisation was involved not only in provenance research but also in the conceptualisation, design and installation of the exhibition, with a focus on representing Tanzanian communities and history from a Tanzanian perspective.
“We ensured that the stories presented in this exhibition accurately reflect Tanzanian communities and history, told from our viewpoint,” Dr Lwoga explained.
General Director of the Humboldt Forum, Professor Hartmut Dorgerloh, emphasised that the exhibition’s purpose is to create a space where different cultures can be celebrated and where stories from both sides can be learned.
“This exhibition does not tell a single story; instead, it provides a platform for diverse narratives,” he said.
He also noted that the exhibition will continue to drive transformation in how colonial histories are narrated and will strengthen the partnership between Germany and Tanzania.
The exhibition launch was attended by Tanzania’s Ambassador to Germany, Hassan Iddi Mwamweta, along with several Tanzanian chiefs and community members.
