When it comes to European colonialism in Africa, many contemporary witnesses are still alive. But individuals who can shed a personal light on the experience of British, French, and Belgian colonialism are increasingly growing old.

One of these rare contemporary witnesses is the teacher and activist Mnyaka Sururu Mboro from Tanzania, who lives in Berlin and personally experienced British rule over Tanganyika. Mboro can also testify to the earlier colonial rule of the Germans, who had one of his ancestors executed after an act of resistance. 

Since 2005, Mnyaka Sururu Mboro has been guiding interested people of all ages through Berlin’s historical centre and the African Quarter in Berlin-Wedding. Through this, he ensures that Berliners are better acquainted with their postcolonial city—a city he is actively helping to shape. Thanks to Mboro’s sustained efforts, three colonial streets in Berlin-Mitte have been renamed to honour African resistance.

More information about the programme can be found here.