The Berlin Conference took place on the 15 th November 1884 to 26 th February 1885. The outcome was the adoption of the General Act signed and ratified by all participants. The main purpose was to secure the development of trade and civilisation in certain regions of Africa. While avoiding the misunderstanding and disputes which might in future arise from new acts of occupation on the coast of Africa and furthering the moral and material well-being of the native populations. Moreover the General Act the concept of civilization and its formulation in terms of international law played a critical role in justifying European colonization of Africa in two ways by balancing conflicting interests among the European powers, and by legitimating their “effective authority,” that is European colonial rule in Africa. The General Act contained four Declarations and two Acts of Navigation. Relating to the Congo and Niger respectively arranged in seven chapters and 38 separate articles. The follo...
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