British Policy Against the Al Busaidi Rule in East Africa, 1888–1896

Abstract

Zanzibar faced numerous crises, the most significant of which was the issue of succession to the throne or leadership. The British administration found in these circumstances a perfect opportunity to intervene in Zanzibar’s internal affairs. This intervention eventually reached the point where Britain determined who would rule Zanzibar, in ways that served its colonial and political interests and strengthened its influence in East Africa.

In fact, the Busaidi rulers were unable to confront the superior British power, which far exceeded that of the Arabs at the time. Moreover, the weakness of some rulers allowed Britain to exploit their internal disputes to achieve its own interests, as they prioritized their personal gains over national interests.

We can say that British policy in East Africa revolved around two main objectives. The first was to keep European powers away from East Africa, as these powers threatened British commercial and colonial interests in the region. Britain succeeded in this through an agreement with Germany to divide Zanzibar between them.

The second objective was to interfere in the governance of Zanzibar, exploiting conflicts among members of the Al Bu Said dynasty. Britain also succeeded in this by using its consuls to exert pressure and threats, even going so far as to threaten the rulers with removal and replacement. Furthermore, Britain employed a "divide and rule" policy to impose its hegemony and control over the administration of Zanzibar and East Africa.