Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza

Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza led an expedition to explore the Congo River basin, traveling from the coast into the interior. He established friendly relations with local chiefs, particularly the Teke people, and claimed territories for France without resorting to military force.

De Brazza signed a treaty with King Makoko of the Teke people, establishing a French protectorate over the north bank of the Congo River. He founded the settlement of Brazzaville, which became the capital of French Congo. This was achieved without bloodshed, contrasting with Belgian King Leopold II's brutal methods.

De Brazza negotiated a treaty with King Makoko of the Teke people, granting France control over the territory that became the French Congo. The treaty was notable for being voluntary and non-coercive, a rare example of peaceful colonial expansion in Africa.

De Brazza was appointed Commissioner-General of the French Congo, overseeing the administration of the colony. He implemented policies that respected local customs and opposed the use of forced labor, but his humane approach was later undermined by concession companies that exploited the region.

De Brazza was sent by the French government to investigate reports of atrocities committed by concession companies in the French Congo. His report documented widespread abuses, including forced labor and violence. However, the French government suppressed the report, and de Brazza died shortly after returning.